**Republican Lawmakers Call for Ban on TP-Link Sales Over Security Concerns**
Seventeen Republican lawmakers have urged the U.S. Commerce Department to halt further sales of equipment from TP-Link Systems Inc., a Wi-Fi router manufacturer facing scrutiny due to its connections to China. Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas, known for his hardline stance on China, along with 16 other senators and representatives, sent a letter to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on Wednesday. They accused TP-Link of having significant ties to the Chinese Communist Party, labeling the company a “clear and present danger” to national security. TP-Link has denied these allegations.
The lawmakers referenced reports indicating that Chinese state operatives have exploited TP-Link’s networking devices, including Wi-Fi routers, to conduct cyberattacks. They also mentioned a Bloomberg report regarding a Justice Department investigation into the company’s pricing strategies. According to the letter, the lawmakers assert that China can access U.S. systems through TP-Link devices “before American authorities know a vulnerability exists.”
The letter emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “Each day we fail to act, the CCP wins while American competitors suffer, and American security remains at risk.” The Commerce Department has initiated an investigation to determine whether TP-Link’s connections to China pose unacceptable national security risks. Reports indicate that TP-Link holds approximately 60% of the U.S. retail market for Wi-Fi systems and small office routers, a significant increase from about 10% in early 2019.
Founded in China, TP-Link separated into two distinct entities last year, establishing an American unit in Irvine, California, while its Chinese operations remain based in Shenzhen. However, a Bloomberg investigation revealed that the U.S. branch still maintains substantial operations in mainland China. In a recent interview, Jeffrey Chao, owner of TP-Link’s U.S. business, refuted claims of links to China’s military and intelligence sectors, asserting that all sensitive roles have been relocated to the United States.
As the investigation unfolds, the implications for TP-Link and its market presence in the U.S. remain to be seen, particularly in light of growing concerns over cybersecurity and foreign influence.
**FAQ**
**What are the concerns regarding TP-Link’s ties to China?**
Lawmakers are worried that TP-Link’s connections to the Chinese Communist Party may pose national security risks, as reports suggest that Chinese operatives have exploited the company’s devices for cyberattacks.
