President Trump said Sunday he would help the Chinese phone maker ZTE. The US had earlier barred if from receiving US-made parts because of its dealings with North Kore and Iran.
President Donald Trump pledged on Sunday to help Chinese phone manufacturer ZTE return to business, days after the company said it would cease ‘‘major operating activities’’ because of the U. S. government’s recent trade restrictions.
‘‘President Xi of China, and I, are working together to give massive Chinese phone company, ZTE, a way to get back into business, fast,’’ Trump tweeted. ‘‘Too many jobs in China lost. Commerce Department has been instructed to get it done!’’
The comment marks a dramatic shift in tone for a president who has long accused China of stealing U. S. jobs – and could presage a reversal of one of the Trump administration’s toughest actions to date against a Chinese company.
In April, the Commerce Department penalized ZTE for violating a settlement with the U. S. government over illegal shipments to Iran and North Korea. As a result, the Trump administration barred U. S. firms for seven years from exporting parts to ZTE, the fourth-largest smartphone manufacturer in China, including critical microchips.
Lacking critical equipment, ZTE halted operations, stressing in a statement Wednesday that it is ‘‘actively communicating with the relevant U.
