Washington / Beijing | The long-running technology and trade tensions between the United States and China have intensified once again. Chinese surveillance and hardware major Hikvision has filed a lawsuit against the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC), accusing the regulator of unlawfully restricting its business operations under the guise of national security.
In a significant escalation, Hikvision’s US subsidiary has submitted a petition for judicial review, challenging recent FCC actions that further tighten restrictions on Chinese technology firms operating in the American market.
Hikvision: FCC Acted Beyond Its Legal Authority
In an official statement, Hikvision argued that the FCC has “exceeded its statutory authority” and imposed restrictions without a sound legal or evidentiary basis.
The commission is seeking to retroactively curtail lawful authorizations without sufficient justification, the company said.
Hikvision maintained that it operates in compliance with local laws across all markets and claimed the FCC’s actions are politically driven rather than security-based.
The company said its legal challenge aims to protect the rights of its customers, distribution partners, and established commercial interests.
“We stand for a stable, transparent, and predictable regulatory environment,” Hikvision added.
The Dispute Centres on the FCC’s ‘Covered List’
At the core of the lawsuit is the FCC’s “Covered List”, which classifies certain companies as risks to US national security and critical infrastructure.
Firms listed are effectively barred from receiving FCC approval for new equipment imports or sales.
Hikvision has remained on this list for several years, alongside major Chinese firms such as:
- Huawei
- ZTE
- China Mobile
- China Telecom
Earlier in 2025, a US appeals court rejected Hikvision’s attempt to overturn the FCC’s 2022 ban on new authorizations for its surveillance and telecom products. The current lawsuit seeks to revive that challenge through fresh legal arguments.
Retail Enforcement: Millions of Products Removed
The FCC’s crackdown has gone beyond regulatory rulings.
In October, FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr confirmed that leading US e-commerce platforms had removed millions of electronic product listings linked to Chinese firms including Hikvision, Huawei, ZTE, and Dahua Technology.
Products pulled from online marketplaces included:
- Home security cameras
- Surveillance systems
- Smart wearable devices
Officials said these products were either connected to companies on the Covered List or lacked valid FCC authorisation.
Expanding US Crackdown on Chinese Tech
Hikvision’s legal challenge comes amid a broader tightening of US scrutiny over Chinese technology and telecom infrastructure.
Recent actions include:
- FCC proceedings to revoke the operating license of Hong Kong-based carrier HKT, citing Chinese ownership concerns
- Proposals to withdraw FCC recognition from testing laboratories owned or controlled by Chinese entities
Such measures could significantly limit the ability of Chinese firms to certify products for US markets.
Hikvision: Commercial Rights Being Violated
Responding sharply, Hikvision said it and its partners constitute a law-abiding global commercial network, and that restricting access without clear evidence violates international trade norms.
“We urge policymakers to ensure that national security concerns are not used to weaponise trade regulation,” the company said.
The argument echoes broader criticism from Beijing, which has repeatedly accused Washington of technological protectionism.
Analysis: Another Flashpoint in the US–China Tech War
The Hikvision–FCC case marks a new chapter in the US–China technology conflict, now stretching into its sixth year.
While US authorities frame restrictions as essential to data security, surveillance risk mitigation, and supply-chain integrity, China views them as efforts to undermine Chinese innovation and global competitiveness.
Experts warn the outcome could have wider implications for:
- Surveillance and cybersecurity standards
- Cross-border digital trade
- Regulatory fragmentation in global technology markets
As both countries harden positions, multinational tech firms face growing pressure to operate in an environment where business decisions are increasingly shaped by geopolitics rather than markets.
