The United States has warned Syria against relying on Chinese telecommunications technology, arguing it conflicts with US interests and threatens national security, according to three sources familiar with the matter. Washington urged Damascus, which is considering buying Chinese telecoms technology, to procure from the US or allied states. Syrian officials noted that infrastructure development projects are time-critical and they seek greater vendor diversity.
The United States has warned Syria against relying on Chinese technology in its telecommunications sector, according to three sources familiar with the matter. Officials from the State Department met with representatives from Syria's Ministry of Telecommunications in San Francisco, where they expressed concerns over Damascus considering purchases of Chinese telecoms equipment. “The US side asked for clarity on the ministry’s plans regarding Chinese telecoms equipment,” said another source briefed on the talks.
Syrian officials responded that infrastructure development projects were time-critical and that Damascus was seeking greater vendor diversity, the source added. Syria is open to partnering with US firms, but the matter was urgent and export controls and “over-compliance” remained an issue, according to a person familiar with the meeting in San Francisco.
This warning comes as Syria works to rebuild its telecom network following political changes, previously reliant on local operators like Syriatel and MTN. The US push reflects broader efforts to limit Chinese influence in global telecoms, similar to previous advisories to other nations. Syrian officials emphasized the need for timely procurement without committing to immediate changes.