U.S. lawmakers increase investigation on Huawei and Optica cooperation: Report

Huawei and Optica Foundation are still swirling in the investigation and a new report adds that the U.S. will step up this scrutiny to more extent. As per the details, the authorities aren’t satisfied with the latter’s answers and justifications on this matter.

The story began when the Chinese tech giant’s secret funding to Optica Foundation came to light. Even though both parties explained their collaboration as clean, the U.S. authorities blamed them for risking the nation’s security.

Following the tough U.S. investigation, Optica decided to part ways with Huawei. But it seems the lawmakers want to take this inquiry forward to avoid security concerns.

Frank Lucan and Zoe Lofgren – the two top-ranking members of the U.S. Committee wrote a letter to Optica Foundation on increasing the inquiry further. The letter reads:

“We are renewing our previous questions and document requests as well as broadening our inquiry to encompass additional concerns.”

The Committee members say that though the Washington DC-based firm has committed to return the funds to Huawei, it doesn’t relieve all concerns yet. Hence, there is a need to recheck all the knots to ensure better security for the nation.

U.S. lawmakers increase investigation on Huawei and Optica cooperation: Report

In response, a spokesperson from Optica said that the foundation will continue to cooperate in the investigation. The person adds that Optica has always worked with colleagues and partners around the country to boost scientific and engineering advancement.

Last month, a person related to Huawei said that the company has never breached any foreign regulations. With Optica, the firm has only looked after motivating young scientists, encouraging academic exchange, and promote global knowledge sharing.

However, the U.S. authorities who see Chinese companies as a threat to their national security didn’t believe Huawei or Optica. The lawmakers said that as per Optica’s description, Huawei’s role in the contest may be technically accurate, but it dramatically underplays the extensive role. It’s more than a funding concern.

How long the U.S. government will stretch the investigation on Huawei and the Optica foundation would be worth looking forward to.

[Source – Bloomberg]