Chinese-branded cellphones banned in Taiwan's military

ROC Central News Agency

2018/05/07 20:21:38

Taipei, May 7 (CNA) Chinese-branded cellphones are absolutely banned on military bases throughout Taiwan, Minister of National Defense Yen Teh-fa (嚴德發) said Monday.

"Taiwan's military personnel are banned from using any smart or feature phones manufactured by Chinese brands," Yen stressed while answering questions from Legislator Tsai Shih-ying (蔡適應) of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party.

Tsai had raised concern over the issue following a ban by the U.S. Defense Department on sales of Chinese phones made by Huawei and ZTE on U.S. military bases around the world.

"It is also clearly stipulated in procurement regulations that any handsets purchased by the military must come with proof of product origin and brand name," Yen said.

The U.S. ban on Chinese-branded smartphones and other equipment was imposed over an alleged security threat.

Pentagon spokesman Maj. Dave Eastburn said on May 3 that "Huawei and ZTE devices may pose an unacceptable risk to the Department's personnel, information and mission," according to foreign wire service reports.

(By Matt Yu and Flor Wang)
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