Huawei gets reprieve: Trump aides disagree on extending restrictions

A U.S. proposal to further restrict sales to China-based Huawei Technologies Co. has encountered objections within the Trump administration and is being held up as officials debate whether the step could harm exporters, a person familiar with the process said.

Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross on Thursday said new rules coming soon will put more limits on technology sales to Huawei, which American officials suspect of making gear that could be used for espionage — an allegation the company has denied. The proposal, however, has foundered at least temporarily amid objections, said the person who spoke on condition of anonymity because the discussions aren’t public.

The Wall Street Journal reported on Friday that the Treasury Department and Pentagon opposed the tightening. Asked Friday about the matter, Defense Secretary Mark Esper seemed to acknowledge administration discussions.