ZTE

{{Short description|Chinese telecommunications company}} {{other uses}} {{EngvarB|date=January 2016}} {{Use dmy dates|date=March 2017}} {{Infobox company | name = ZTE Corporation | former_name = Zhongxing Telecommunication Equipment Corporation | logo = ZTE-logo.svg | logo_size = 180px | image = ZTE building in Hi-tech Zone of Nanshan District.jpg | image_size = 180px | image_caption = ZTE building in Hi-tech Zone of Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong | type = [[Public company|Public]]; [[state-owned enterprise]] | traded_as = {{Szse|000063}}{{sehk|763}}CSI A50 | ISIN = {{Unbulleted list|{{ISIN|sl=n|pl=y|CNE000000TK5}}|{{ISIN|sl=n|pl=y|CNE1000004Y2}}}} | foundation = {{start date and age|df=yes|1985}} (as Zhongxing Semiconductor Co., Ltd.) | founder = Hou Weigui | location_city = | location_country = | location = 55 Hi-tech Road South[[Shenzhen]], [[Guangdong]], China518057 | key_people = Ms. Fang Rong (Chairman and Executive Director){{Cite web |title=Fang Rong |url=https://www.zte.com.cn/global/about/corporate_information/leader_fangrong.html |access-date=2025-03-31 |publisher=ZTE |language=en}} Mr. Xu Ziyang (Executive Director and CEO){{Cite web |title=Xu Ziyang |url=https://www.zte.com.cn/content/zte-site/www-zte-com-cn/global/about/corporate_information/leader_xuziyang |access-date=2025-03-31 |publisher=ZTE |language=en}} | area_served = Worldwide | industry = {{nowrap|[[Telecommunications equipment]]}} [[Networking equipment]] | products = [[Mobile phones]], [[smartphones]], [[tablet computer]]s, hardware, [[computer software|software]], all series of wireless, wireline, services, devices and professional telecommunications services and services to telecommunications service providers and enterprises{{Cite web |title=Company Introduction |url=https://www.zte.com.cn/content/zte-site/www-zte-com-cn/global/about/corporate_information/company_introduction |access-date=2023-10-13 |publisher=ZTE |language=en}} | services = | revenue = {{increase}} {{CNY|122.95 [[1,000,000,000|billion]]|link=yes}} / US $17.68 billion{{cite news|last=Tomás |first=Juan Pedro |date=2023-03-10 |title=ZTE's 2022 revenues up 7.4% year-on-year |url=https://www.rcrwireless.com/20230310/network-infrastructure/zte-2022-revenues-up-7-year-on-year |access-date=2023-10-13 |website=RCR Wireless News |language=en-US |archive-date=12 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231112064313/https://www.rcrwireless.com/20230310/network-infrastructure/zte-2022-revenues-up-7-year-on-year |url-status=live }} | revenue_year = 2022 | operating_income = {{increase}} {{CNY|6.16  billion}} | income_year = 2022 | net_income = {{increase}} {{CNY|8.08 billion}} | net_income_year = 2022 | assets = {{increase}} {{CNY|180.95 billion}} | assets_year = 2022 | equity = {{increase}} {{CNY|58.64 billion}}{{Cite web |title=2023 Interim Result Announcement |url=https://www.zte.com.cn/content/dam/zte-site/res-www-zte-com-cn/mediares/zte/investor/en_announcement/2023081803.pdf |access-date=14 October 2023 |publisher=ZTE |archive-date=4 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231004184849/https://www.zte.com.cn/content/dam/zte-site/res-www-zte-com-cn/mediares/zte/investor/en_announcement/2023081803.pdf |url-status=live }} | equity_year = 2022 | num_employees = 74,811{{Cite web |title=ZTE - Annual Report 2022 |url=https://www.zte.com.cn/content/dam/zte-site/res-www-zte-com-cn/mediares/zte/investor/en_annual_report/20230315.pdf |access-date=14 October 2023 |publisher=ZTE |archive-date=13 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231013231604/https://www.zte.com.cn/content/dam/zte-site/res-www-zte-com-cn/mediares/zte/investor/en_annual_report/20230315.pdf |url-status=live }} | num_employees_year = 2022 | parent = | divisions = | subsid = [[Nubia Technology]] (49.9%) [[ZTEsoft]] [[Zonergy]] | owner = Zhongxingxin (20.29% in 2022); [[China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation]] | homepage = {{Official URL}} | footnotes = In [[consolidated financial statement]];{{Cite report |url=http://res.www.zte.com.cn/mediares/zte/Investor/20180326/E1.pdf |title=Annual Report 2017 |date=26 March 2018 |publisher=ZTE |access-date=8 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180409043402/http://res.www.zte.com.cn/mediares/zte/Investor/20180326/E1.pdf |archive-date=9 April 2018 |url-status=dead}} shareholders' equity figure are excluding perpetual capital instrument }} {{Infobox Chinese | title = ZTE Corporation | t = 中興通訊股份有限公司 | s = 中兴通讯股份有限公司 | p = Zhōngxìng tōngxùn gǔfèn yǒuxiàn gōngsī | l = {{nowrap|China-Prosperity Communications}} Company Limited by Shares | j = Zung1hing3 tung1seun3 gu2fan6 jau6haan6 gung1si1 | s2 = 中兴通讯 | t2 = 中興通訊 | p2 = Zhōngxìng tōngxùn | l2 = China-Prosperity Communications | alttitle3 = ZTE | s3 = [[:wiktionary:中兴|中兴]] | t3 = [[:wiktionary:中興|中興]] | p3 = zhōngxīng | l3 = China-Prosperity [or the word itself: resurgence] | order = st }}

'''ZTE Corporation''' is a [[People's Republic of China|Chinese]] partially state-owned [[technology company]] that specializes in [[telecommunication]]. Founded in 1985, ZTE is listed on both the [[Hong Kong Stock Exchange|Hong Kong]] and [[Shenzhen Stock Exchange]]s.

ZTE's core business is wireless, [[telephone exchange|exchange]], [[Optical fiber|optical transmission]], data telecommunications gear, telecommunications software, and mobile phones. ZTE primarily sells products under its own name, but it is also an [[Original Equipment Manufacturer|OEM]].{{Cite news |last=Mukherjee |first=Supantha |date=26 January 2011 |title=UPDATE 3-LSI sees second half better than first |publisher=[[Reuters]] |url=http://www.reuters.com/article/lsi-idUSSGE70P07P20110127 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117015534/http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/01/27/lsi-idUSSGE70P07P20110127 |archive-date=17 November 2015}}

The company has faced criticism in the United States, India, and Sweden over ties to the [[Government of China|Chinese government]] and the [[Chinese Communist Party]] (CCP) that could enable [[Mass surveillance in China|mass surveillance]]. In 2017, ZTE was fined for illegally exporting U.S. technology to Iran and North Korea, in violation of international [[economic sanctions]].{{Cite news |last1=Freifeld |first1=Karen |last2=Sijia |first2=Jiang |date=2017-03-08 |title=China's ZTE pleads guilty, settles U.S. sanctions case for nearly $900 million |language=en |publisher=[[Reuters]] |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-china-zte-idUSKBN16E1X1 |url-status=live |access-date=2020-07-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200226181549/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-china-zte-idUSKBN16E1X1 |archive-date=26 February 2020}} In April 2018, after the company failed to properly reprimand the employees involved, the [[United States Department of Commerce|U.S. Department of Commerce]] banned U.S. companies ([[semiconductor]]s) from exporting to ZTE for seven years. The ban was lifted in July 2018 after ZTE replaced its senior management, and agreed to pay additional fines and establish an internal compliance team for 10 years. In June 2020, the [[Federal Communications Commission]] (FCC) designated ZTE a national security threat.{{Cite news |last=McCabe |first=David |date=2020-06-30 |title=F.C.C. Designates Huawei and ZTE as National Security Threats |language=en-US |work=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/30/technology/fcc-huawei-zte-national-security.html |url-status=live |access-date=2020-07-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200702160918/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/30/technology/fcc-huawei-zte-national-security.html |archive-date=2 July 2020 |issn=0362-4331}}{{Cite news |last=Shields |first=Todd |date=June 30, 2020 |title=FCC Calls Huawei, ZTE Security Threats as It Bars Subsidies |agency=[[Bloomberg News]] |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-06-30/fcc-designates-china-s-huawei-zte-as-national-security-threats |url-status=live |access-date=July 11, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200702034351/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-06-30/fcc-designates-china-s-huawei-zte-as-national-security-threats |archive-date=2 July 2020}}{{Cite news |last=Rapoza |first=Kenneth |date=30 June 2020 |title=The FCC Just Designated China's Huawei And ZTE A Security Threat |work=[[Forbes]] |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/kenrapoza/2020/06/30/the-fcc-just-designated-chinas-huawei-and-zte-a-security-threat |url-status=dead |access-date=14 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200714031027/https://www.forbes.com/sites/kenrapoza/2020/06/30/the-fcc-just-designated-chinas-huawei-and-zte-a-security-threat/ |archive-date=14 July 2020}}{{Cite news |last=Shepardson |first=David |date=2020-07-09 |title=Exclusive: U.S. finalizing federal contract ban for companies that use Huawei, others |language=en |publisher=[[Reuters]] |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-china-contracting-exclusive-idUSKBN24A22F |url-status=live |access-date=2020-08-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200715161755/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-china-contracting-exclusive-idUSKBN24A22F |archive-date=15 July 2020}} In 2023, the [[European Commission]] banned ZTE from providing telecommunication services.{{Cite news |last=Chee |first=Foo Yun |date=2023-06-15 |title=Breton urges more EU countries to ban Huawei, ZTE from networks |language=en |publisher=[[Reuters]] |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/eu-countries-decision-ban-huawei-zte-networks-justified-eus-breton-says-2023-06-15/ |access-date=2023-06-17 |archive-date=16 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230616094349/https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/eu-countries-decision-ban-huawei-zte-networks-justified-eus-breton-says-2023-06-15/ |url-status=live }}

==History== [[Image:ZTE logo.svg|200px|thumb|right|Logo used until 2015]][[File:ZTE WiFi router4G.jpg|200px|thumb|right|An example of a ZTE [[Wi-Fi]] router manufactured for [[South Africa]]n telecommunications company [[MTN South Africa]]]] ZTE, initially founded as Zhongxing Semiconductor Co., Ltd in Shenzhen, [[Guangdong|Guangdong province]], in 1985, was incorporated by a group of investors associated with China's [[Ministry of Aerospace Industry]].{{Cite news |last=Kawase |first=Kenji |date=April 27, 2018 |title=ZTE's less-known roots: Chinese tech company falls from grace |work=[[The Nikkei]] |url=https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Company-in-focus/ZTE-s-less-known-roots-Chinese-tech-company-falls-from-grace |url-status=live |access-date=July 9, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200602202629/https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Company-in-focus/ZTE-s-less-known-roots-Chinese-tech-company-falls-from-grace |archive-date=2 June 2020}}{{Cite news |last1=McKenzie |first1=Nick |last2=Grigg |first2=Angus |date=May 31, 2018 |title=China's ZTE was built to spy and bribe, court documents allege |work=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |url=https://www.smh.com.au/business/companies/china-s-zte-was-built-to-spy-and-bribe-court-documents-allege-20180531-p4ziqd.html |url-status=live |access-date=June 1, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180531234137/https://www.smh.com.au/business/companies/china-s-zte-was-built-to-spy-and-bribe-court-documents-allege-20180531-p4ziqd.html |archive-date=May 31, 2018}}{{Cite web |last=Doyle |first=Shannon |date=December 14, 2012 |title=Congressional Committee Finds Huawei And ZTE To Be Threats To National Security |url=https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/congressional-committee-finds-huawei-and-66735/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180917113404/https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/congressional-committee-finds-huawei-and-66735/ |archive-date=17 September 2018 |access-date=July 9, 2020 |website=JD Supra}}{{Cite web |last1=Rogers |first1=Mike |last2=Ruppersberger |first2=Dutch |date=2012-10-08 |title=Investigative Report on the U.S. National Security Issues Posed by Chinese Telecommunications Companies Huawei and ZTE |url=https://republicans-intelligence.house.gov/sites/intelligence.house.gov/files/documents/huawei-zte%20investigative%20report%20(final).pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200508051344/https://republicans-intelligence.house.gov/sites/intelligence.house.gov/files/documents/huawei-zte%20investigative%20report%20(final).pdf |archive-date=8 May 2020 |access-date=2020-07-10 |publisher=[[Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence]] |language=en}} In March 1993, Zhongxing Semiconductor changed its name to Zhongxing New Telecommunications Equipment Co., Ltd with capital of RMB 3 million, and created a new business model as a "state-owned and private-operating" [[economic entity]]. ZTE made an [[initial public offering]] (IPO) on the [[Shenzhen stock exchange]] in 1997 and another on the [[Hong Kong stock exchange]] in December 2004.{{Cite web |last=Guo |first=Huang |date=28 March 2005 |title=20 Years History of ZTE Corporation by Mr. Huang Guo in 2005 |url=http://wwwen.zte.com.cn/endata/magazine/ztecommunications/2005year/no2/articles/200506/t20050622_162340.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130320023315/http://wwwen.zte.com.cn/endata/magazine/ztecommunications/2005year/no2/articles/200506/t20050622_162340.html |archive-date=20 March 2013 |access-date=6 August 2013 |publisher=ZTE}}

While the company initially profited from domestic sales,{{Cite news |last1=Soh |first1=Kelvin |last2=Peters |first2=Hans |date=27 January 2011 |title=UPDATE 1-ZTE says 2010 net profit up 32 pct on better sales |publisher=[[Reuters]] |url=http://www.reuters.com/article/zte-earnings-idUSTOE70Q08620110127 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924150827/http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/01/27/zte-earnings-idUSTOE70Q08620110127 |archive-date=24 September 2015}} it vowed to use proceeds of its 2004 Hong Kong IPO to further expand [[R&D]], overseas sales to developed nations, and overseas production.{{Cite news |last1=Einhorn |first1=Bruce |last2=Reinhardt |first2=Andy |date=7 March 2005 |title=A Global Telecom Titan Called...ZTE? |work=[[Businessweek]] |url=http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/05_10/b3923071.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100214010915/http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/05_10/b3923071.htm |archive-date=14 February 2010}} Making headway in the international telecom market in 2006, it took 40% of new global orders for [[CDMA]] networks{{Cite news |last1=Shen |first1=Daniel |last2=Shen |first2=Steve |date=9 March 2007 |title=China-based Huawei and ZTE make headway in global telecom market |work=[[DigiTimes]] |url=https://www.digitimes.com/telecom/a20070309PD215.html |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081203133223/http://www.digitimes.com/telecom/a20070309PD215.html |archive-date=3 December 2008}}{{Verify source|date=November 2020}} topping the world CDMA equipment market by number of shipments.{{Cite web |date=2007 |title=ZTE tops 2006 international CDMA market |url=http://www.ciol.com/ciol-techportal/Content/Mobility/News/2007/20703081355.asp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927230100/http://www.ciol.com/ciol-techportal/Content/Mobility/News/2007/20703081355.asp |archive-date=27 September 2007 |website=Cybermedia India Online Limited |location=Shenzhen}}{{Cite web |date=12 April 2007 |title=ZTE Tops 2006 International CDMA Market |url=https://www.zte.com.cn/global/about/magazine/zte-technologies/2007/3/en_76/161749.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201207171920/https://www.zte.com.cn/global/about/magazine/zte-technologies/2007/3/en_76/161749.html |archive-date=7 December 2020 |access-date=28 November 2020 |publisher=ZTE}}{{Cite magazine |date=March 2007 |title=ZTE Tops 2006 International CDMA Market |url=https://res-www.zte.com.cn/mediares/magazine/publication/tech_en/pdf/200703.pdf |url-status=live |magazine=ZTE Technologies |language=en |edition=IMS Special Issue |publisher=ZTE |volume=9 |issue=86 |page=1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201201080311/https://res-www.zte.com.cn/mediares/magazine/publication/tech_en/pdf/200703.pdf |archive-date=1 December 2020 |access-date=1 December 2020}} That same year also saw ZTE find a customer in the Canadian [[Telus Communications|Telus]]{{Cite web |title=History |url=http://wwwen.zte.com.cn/en/about/corporate_information/history |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707023727/http://wwwen.zte.com.cn/en/about/corporate_information/history/ |archive-date=7 July 2011 |publisher=ZTE}}{{Cite web |date=17 August 2014 |title=How ZTE started: the importance to enter China market in time |url=https://daxueconsulting.com/how-zte-started/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729051143/https://daxueconsulting.com/how-zte-started/ |archive-date=29 July 2020 |access-date=2020-07-29 |publisher=Daxue Consulting}} and membership in the [[Wi-Fi Alliance]].{{Cite press release |title=ZTE joins Wi-Fi Alliance - one of the first Chinese members |date=30 August 2006 |url=http://wwwen.zte.com.cn/en/press_center/news/200307/t20030723_156235.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707023749/http://wwwen.zte.com.cn/en/press_center/news/200307/t20030723_156235.html |archive-date=7 July 2011 |publisher=ZTE}}{{Better source needed|reason=The current source is insufficiently reliable ([[WP:NOTRS]]).|date=July 2022}}

By 2009, the company had become the third-largest vendor of [[GSM]] telecom equipment worldwide, and about 20% of all GSM gear sold throughout the world that year was ZTE branded.{{Cite news |date=18 November 2009 |title=INTERVIEW - China's ZTE aims for fifth of global GSM gear market |publisher=[[Reuters]] |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/technology-media-telco-SP/idUSHKG24779620091118 |url-status=live |access-date=28 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091121162338/http://www.reuters.com/article/technology-media-telco-SP/idUSHKG24779620091118 |archive-date=21 November 2009}} As of 2011, it holds around 7% of the [[LTE (telecommunication)|LTE]] patents.{{Cite news |date=11 January 2011 |title=China's ZTE targets 10 pct of LTE patents |publisher=[[Reuters]] |url=http://www.reuters.com/article/zte-patents-idUSLDE70A1NG20110111 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924150642/http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/01/11/zte-patents-idUSLDE70A1NG20110111 |archive-date=24 September 2015}}

In 2022, US court rules ZTE to end the five-year probation from a 2017 guilty plea.{{cite news|last1=Strumpf |first1=Dan |last2=Tokar |first2=Dylan |last3=Viswanatha |first3=Aruna |date=March 23, 2022 |title=Judge Frees China's ZTE From Some U.S. Oversight |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/judge-frees-chinas-zte-from-some-u-s-oversight-11648025251 |trans-title= |work=[[The Wall Street Journal]] |language=en |access-date= }}{{cite news|last= |first= |date=March 23, 2022 |title=US judge rules in favour of China's ZTE, ending probation|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/world/united-states/us-judge-rules-in-favour-of-chinas-zte-ending-probation |trans-title= |work=[[The Straits Times]] |language=en |access-date= }}

In 2023, the [[World Intellectual Property Organization|World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)]]'s Annual PCT Review ranked ZTE's number of patent applications published under the [[Patent Cooperation Treaty|PCT System]] as 11th in the world, with 1,738 patent applications being published during 2023.{{Cite web |title=PCT Yearly Review 2024 |url=https://www.wipo.int/edocs/pubdocs/en/wipo-pub-901-2024-en-patent-cooperation-treaty-yearly-review-2024.pdf |page=39}}

In April 2025, [[U Mobile]] announced collaboration with ZTE to deploy Malaysia's second 5G network, with ZTE responsible for the 5G network in [[East Malaysia]].{{Cite news |last= |first= |title=Malaysia telco U Mobile to partner with China's Huawei and ZTE for 5G network |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/malaysia-telco-u-mobile-partner-with-chinas-huawei-zte-5g-network-2025-04-15/ |publisher=[[Reuters]] |language=en|date=2025-04-15}}{{Cite news |last=Lipscombe |first=Paul |title=U Mobile picks Huawei and ZTE for Malaysia's second 5G network |url=https://www.datacenterdynamics.com/en/news/u-mobile-picks-huawei-and-zte-for-malaysias-second-5g-network/ |publisher=[[Reuters]] |language=en|date=2025-04-16}}

=== U.S. sanctions and import ban === {{Further|United States sanctions against China}} In March 2017, ZTE pleaded guilty to illegally exporting U.S. technology to [[Iran]] and [[North Korea]] in violation of [[trade sanction]]s, and was fined a total of US$1.19 billion by the [[U.S. Department of Commerce]]. It was the largest-ever U.S. fine for [[export control]] violations.{{Cite magazine |last1=Pettypiece |first1=Shannon |last2=Mayeda |first2=Andrew |date=7 March 2017 |title=China's ZTE Pleads Guilty in U.S. on Iran Sanctions Settlement |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/politics/articles/2017-03-07/china-s-zte-said-to-settle-u-s-sanctions-case-for-1-billion |url-status=live |magazine=Bloomberg News |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170307171032/https://www.bloomberg.com/politics/articles/2017-03-07/china-s-zte-said-to-settle-u-s-sanctions-case-for-1-billion |archive-date=7 March 2017 |access-date=7 March 2017 |url-access=subscription}}{{Cite magazine |last=Brant |first=Tom |date=7 March 2017 |title=ZTE Will Pay Record Fine for Sales to Iran, North Korea |url=https://www.pcmag.com/news/352232/zte-will-pay-record-fine-for-sales-to-iran-north-korea |url-status=live |magazine=[[PC Magazine]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170307222809/http://www.pcmag.com/news/352232/zte-will-pay-record-fine-for-sales-to-iran-north-korea |archive-date=7 March 2017 |access-date=7 March 2017}}

ZTE was allowed to continue working with U.S. companies, provided that it properly reprimand all employees involved in the violations. However, the Department of Commerce found that ZTE had violated these terms and made false statements regarding its compliance, having fired only 4 senior officials and still providing bonuses to 35 other employees involved in the violations. On 16 April 2018, the Department of Commerce banned U.S. companies from providing exports to ZTE for seven years.{{Cite press release |title=Secretary Ross Announces Activation of ZTE Denial Order in Response to Repeated False Statements to the U.S. Government |date=16 April 2018 |url=https://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2018/04/secretary-ross-announces-activation-zte-denial-order-response-repeated |language=en |access-date=16 April 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180416174729/https://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2018/04/secretary-ross-announces-activation-zte-denial-order-response-repeated |archive-date=16 April 2018 |publisher=[[U.S. Department of Commerce]]}}{{Cite news |last=Heater |first=Brian |date=16 April 2018 |title=U.S. companies banned from selling components to ZTE |language=en-US |work=[[TechCrunch]] |url=https://techcrunch.com/2018/04/16/u-s-companies-banned-from-selling-components-to-zte/ |url-status=live |access-date=16 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180416150155/https://techcrunch.com/2018/04/16/u-s-companies-banned-from-selling-components-to-zte/ |archive-date=16 April 2018}}{{Cite news |last=Liao |first=Shannon |date=16 April 2018 |title=ZTE can no longer buy Qualcomm chips after US ban |work=[[The Verge]] |url=https://www.theverge.com/2018/4/16/17242664/us-uk-china-smartphone-zte-security-risk-sanctions |url-status=live |access-date=16 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180417024909/https://www.theverge.com/2018/4/16/17242664/us-uk-china-smartphone-zte-security-risk-sanctions |archive-date=17 April 2018}} At least 25% of components on recent ZTE smartphones originated from the U.S., including [[Qualcomm]] processors and certified [[Android (operating system)|Android]] software with [[Google Mobile Services]].{{Cite news |last=Gurman |first=Mark |date=17 April 2018 |title=ZTE Seeks Fix With U.S. Ban Threatening Access to Android |language=en |work=[[Bloomberg News|Bloomberg]] |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-04-17/zte-is-said-to-seek-fix-as-u-s-ban-threatens-access-to-android |url-status=live |access-date=18 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180418034603/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-04-17/zte-is-said-to-seek-fix-as-u-s-ban-threatens-access-to-android |archive-date=18 April 2018}} An analyst stated that it would take a significant amount of effort for ZTE to redesign its products as to not use U.S.-originated components.{{Cite news |last=Kuo |first=Lily |date=10 May 2018 |title=China's ZTE may be first major casualty of trade war with US |language=en |work=[[The Guardian]] |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/may/10/chinas-zte-may-be-first-major-casualty-of-trade-war-with-us |url-status=live |access-date=10 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180510063320/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/may/10/chinas-zte-may-be-first-major-casualty-of-trade-war-with-us |archive-date=10 May 2018}}

On 9 May 2018, ZTE announced that, although it was "actively communicating with the relevant U.S. government departments" to reverse the export ban, it had suspended its "major operating activities" (including manufacturing) and trading of its shares.{{Cite news |last=Lee |first=Timothy B. |date=10 May 2018 |title=The Trump administration just forced smartphone maker ZTE to shut down |language=en-us |work=[[Ars Technica]] |url=https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2018/05/the-trump-administration-just-forced-smartphone-maker-zte-to-shut-down/ |url-status=live |access-date=10 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180510001358/https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2018/05/the-trump-administration-just-forced-smartphone-maker-zte-to-shut-down/ |archive-date=10 May 2018}}{{Cite news |last=Zhong |first=Raymond |date=9 May 2018 |title=Chinese Tech Giant on Brink of Collapse in New U.S. Cold War |language=en-US |work=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/09/technology/zte-china-us-trade-war.html |url-status=live |access-date=10 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180509234508/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/09/technology/zte-china-us-trade-war.html |archive-date=9 May 2018 |issn=0362-4331}} On 13 May 2018, [[President of the United States|U.S. president]] [[Donald Trump]] stated that he would be working with [[General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party|CCP General Secretary]] [[Xi Jinping]] to reverse the ban.{{Cite news |last=Collins |first=Michael |date=13 May 2018 |title=President Trump pledges to help ZTE, Chinese maker of budget-friendly phones, after ban |language=en |work=[[USA Today]] |publisher=[[Gannett|Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC.]] |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2018/05/13/trump-pledges-help-chinese-phone-maker-zte/605901002/ |url-status=live |access-date=13 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180513212224/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2018/05/13/trump-pledges-help-chinese-phone-maker-zte/605901002/ |archive-date=13 May 2018}} It was argued that the export ban was being used as leverage by the United States as part of an [[2018 China–United States trade dispute|ongoing trade dispute]] with China.{{Cite news |last=Horowitz |first=Julia |date=27 May 2018 |title=Companies become bargaining chips in US-China trade turmoil |publisher=[[CNN]] |url=https://money.cnn.com/2018/05/27/news/economy/us-china-trade-zte-qualcomm/index.html |url-status=live |access-date=2018-05-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180528135837/http://money.cnn.com/2018/05/27/news/economy/us-china-trade-zte-qualcomm/index.html |archive-date=28 May 2018}}{{Cite news |last1=Russolillo |first1=Steven |last2=Xie |first2=Stella Yifan |date=2018-05-28 |title=ZTE's Suspended Stock: 'A Headache for All Market Participants' |language=en-US |work=[[The Wall Street Journal]] |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/zte-shareholders-are-in-limbo-amid-u-s-china-dispute-1527332400 |url-status=live |access-date=2018-05-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180528154908/https://www.wsj.com/articles/zte-shareholders-are-in-limbo-amid-u-s-china-dispute-1527332400 |archive-date=28 May 2018 |issn=0099-9660}} On 7 June 2018, ZTE agreed to a settlement with the Department of Commerce in order to lift the import ban. The company agreed to pay a US$1 billion fine, place an additional US$400 million of suspended penalty money in escrow, replace its entire senior management, and establish a compliance department selected by the department.{{Cite news |last=Lee |first=Timothy B. |date=7 June 2018 |title=Confirmed: ZTE to reopen after $1 billion fine, new leadership [Updated] |language=en-us |work=[[Ars Technica]] |url=https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2018/06/zte-reportedly-finalizing-comeback-deal-with-us-government/ |url-status=live |access-date=2018-10-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181001070226/https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2018/06/zte-reportedly-finalizing-comeback-deal-with-us-government/ |archive-date=1 October 2018}}

Later that month, the [[United States Senate|U.S. Senate]] passed a version of the [[National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019]] that blocked the settlement, and banned the federal government from purchasing equipment from Huawei and ZTE (citing them as national security risks due to risks of Chinese government surveillance). The settlement was criticized by Senators as being "personal favors" between Trump and the Chinese government, as the Chinese government issued a loan for an Indonesian theme park project with a Trump golf course following the May 2018 announcement.{{Cite news |last=Lee |first=Timothy B. |date=19 June 2018 |title=Senate rejects Trump's plan to lift ZTE export ban |language=en-us |work=[[Ars Technica]] |url=https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2018/06/senate-rejects-trumps-plan-to-lift-zte-export-ban/ |url-status=live |access-date=2018-10-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190527190615/https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2018/06/senate-rejects-trumps-plan-to-lift-zte-export-ban/ |archive-date=27 May 2019}}{{Cite magazine |last=Crowe |first=Jack |date=2018-05-14 |title=China Contributing $500 Million to Trump-Linked Project in Indonesia |url=https://www.nationalreview.com/news/china-contributing-500-million-trump-linked-project-indonesia/ |url-status=live |magazine=[[National Review]] |language=en-US |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190520013045/https://www.nationalreview.com/news/china-contributing-500-million-trump-linked-project-indonesia/ |archive-date=20 May 2019 |access-date=2018-10-01}} However, the [[United States House of Representatives|House]] version of the bill, signed by Trump, did not include the provision blocking the settlement, but still included the ban on federal purchase of Huawei and ZTE products.

On 13 July 2018, the denial order was officially lifted.{{Cite news |last=Shu |first=Catherine |date=12 July 2018 |title=The U.S. and ZTE reach a deal that will lift export ban |language=en-US |work=[[TechCrunch]] |url=https://techcrunch.com/2018/07/11/the-u-s-and-zte-reach-a-deal-that-will-lift-export-ban/ |url-status=live |access-date=2018-07-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180714222208/https://techcrunch.com/2018/07/11/the-u-s-and-zte-reach-a-deal-that-will-lift-export-ban/ |archive-date=14 July 2018}}{{Cite press release |title=Commerce Department Lifts Ban After ZTE Deposits Final Tranche of $1.4 Billion Penalty |date=13 July 2018 |url=https://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2018/07/commerce-department-lifts-ban-after-zte-deposits-final-tranche-14 |language=en |access-date=13 July 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180817114949/https://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2018/07/commerce-department-lifts-ban-after-zte-deposits-final-tranche-14 |archive-date=17 August 2018 |publisher=[[U.S. Department of Commerce]]}}{{Cite news |last=Kastrenakes |first=Jacob |date=13 July 2018 |title=US lifts trade ban on ZTE in controversial deal with Chinese phone maker |work=[[The Verge]] |url=https://www.theverge.com/2018/7/13/17565450/zte-trade-ban-lifted-us-commerce-department-trump |url-status=live |access-date=2018-07-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180714135948/https://www.theverge.com/2018/7/13/17565450/zte-trade-ban-lifted-us-commerce-department-trump |archive-date=14 July 2018}}{{Cite news |last=Tao |first=Li |date=10 July 2018 |title=ZTE's new management vows to uphold compliance as a top priority |language=en |work=[[South China Morning Post]] |url=https://www.scmp.com/tech/article/2154559/ztes-new-management-looks-forward-new-era-and-sets-compliance-priority-number |url-status=live |access-date=2018-07-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180713212601/https://www.scmp.com/tech/article/2154559/ztes-new-management-looks-forward-new-era-and-sets-compliance-priority-number |archive-date=13 July 2018}}

In January 2019, it became public that ZTE has retained the services of former senator [[Joe Lieberman]] as a lobbyist.{{Cite news |last1=Massoglia |first1=Anna |last2=Evers-Hillstrom |first2=Karl |date=2 January 2019 |title=Joe Lieberman formally registers as lobbyist for Chinese telecom giant ZTE |work=[[OpenSecrets.org]] |url=https://www.opensecrets.org/news/2019/01/joe-lieberman-formally-registers-as-lobbyist-for-chinese-telecom-giant-zte |url-status=live |access-date=3 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190103064419/https://www.opensecrets.org/news/2019/01/joe-lieberman-formally-registers-as-lobbyist-for-chinese-telecom-giant-zte/ |archive-date=3 January 2019}}

In June 2020, [[the Federal Communications Commission]] (FCC) designated ZTE as a threat to U.S. communications networks.{{Cite news |last=Shepardson |first=David |date=2020-06-30 |title=U.S. FCC issues final orders declaring Huawei, ZTE national security threats |language=en |publisher=[[Reuters]] |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-china-telecom-idUSKBN24130A |url-status=live |access-date=2020-07-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200702103058/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-china-telecom-idUSKBN24130A |archive-date=2 July 2020}} In July 2020, the U.S. government banned companies that use ZTE from receiving federal contracts. The FCC denied the company's appeal of the decision in November 2020.{{Cite news |last=Shepardson |first=David |date=24 November 2020 |title=FCC affirms ZTE poses U.S. national security threat |publisher=[[Reuters]] |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-fcc-zte/fcc-affirms-zte-poses-u-s-national-security-threat-idUSKBN28435P |access-date=20 April 2021 |archive-date=20 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420021936/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-fcc-zte/fcc-affirms-zte-poses-u-s-national-security-threat-idUSKBN28435P |url-status=live }}

In September 2020, the U.S. Department of Justice filed a criminal complaint against ZTE accusing it of using two shell companies named Ryer International Trading and Rensy International Trading to violate sanctions against North Korea.{{Cite news |last=Fromer |first=Jacob |date=September 12, 2020 |title=China-US relations: Chinese shell firms accused of helping ZTE sell American tech to North Korea |work=[[South China Morning Post]] |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3101287/china-us-relations-chinese-shell-firms-accused-helping-zte |url-status=live |access-date=September 14, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200915013639/https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3101287/china-us-relations-chinese-shell-firms-accused-helping-zte |archive-date=15 September 2020}} In December 2020, the U.S. Congress included $1.9 billion to help telecom carriers in rural areas of the U.S. to remove ZTE equipment and networks they had previously purchased.{{Cite news |last=Klein |first=Jodi Xu |date=23 December 2020 |title=US lawmakers create US$1.9 billion fund to help carriers remove Huawei and ZTE equipment from their systems |work=Yahoo Finance |agency=South China Morning Post |url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/us-lawmakers-create-us-1-093000546.html |access-date=20 April 2021 |archive-date=20 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420025157/https://finance.yahoo.com/news/us-lawmakers-create-us-1-093000546.html |url-status=live }}

In January 2021, [[Gina Raimondo]], President [[Joe Biden]]'s nominee for [[United States Secretary of Commerce]], said in her confirmation hearings that she would protect U.S. networks from interference by Chinese companies including ZTE.{{Cite news |last=Swanson |first=Ana |date=26 January 2021 |title=Biden's Commerce Pick Vows to Combat China and Climate Change |work=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/26/business/economy/gina-raimondo-commerce.html |access-date=20 April 2021 |archive-date=26 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126113413/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/26/business/economy/gina-raimondo-commerce.html |url-status=live }} In June 2021, the FCC voted unanimously to prohibit approvals of ZTE gear in U.S. telecommunication networks on national security grounds.{{Cite news |last=Shepardson |first=David |date=June 17, 2021 |title=U.S. FCC votes to advance proposed ban on Huawei, ZTE gear |publisher=[[Reuters]] |url=https://www.reuters.com/technology/us-fcc-votes-launch-further-crackdown-huawei-zte-equipment-2021-06-17/ |access-date=June 19, 2021 |archive-date=18 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210618202128/https://www.reuters.com/technology/us-fcc-votes-launch-further-crackdown-huawei-zte-equipment-2021-06-17/ |url-status=live }}

In March 2022, ZTE was accused of violating its probation from its guilty plea for sanctions violations.{{Cite news |last=Freifeld |first=Karen |date=2022-03-05 |title=China's ZTE faces hearing over possible violation of U.S. probation |language=en |publisher=[[Reuters]] |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/chinas-zte-faces-hearing-over-possible-violation-us-probation-2022-03-05/ |access-date=2022-03-06 |archive-date=6 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220306175401/https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/chinas-zte-faces-hearing-over-possible-violation-us-probation-2022-03-05/ |url-status=live }} After President [[Joe Biden]] signed into law the [[Secure Equipment Act|Secure Equipment Act of 2021]], in November 2022, the FCC banned sales or import of equipment made by ZTE for national security reasons.{{Cite news |last1=Bartz |first1=Diane |last2=Alper |first2=Alexandra |date=2022-11-25 |title=U.S. bans Huawei, ZTE equipment sales citing national security risk |language=en |publisher=[[Reuters]] |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/us-fcc-bans-equipment-sales-imports-zte-huawei-over-national-security-risk-2022-11-25/ |access-date=2022-11-25 |archive-date=25 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221125200919/https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/us-fcc-bans-equipment-sales-imports-zte-huawei-over-national-security-risk-2022-11-25/ |url-status=live }}

In March 2025, the FCC opened an investigation into ZTE and other Chinese companies regarding operations in the U.S. in violation of restrictions.{{Cite news |last=Shepardson |first=David |date=March 21, 2025 |title=FCC probing if Chinese tech, telecom firms seeking to evade US restrictions |url=https://www.reuters.com/technology/fcc-probing-if-chinese-tech-telecom-firms-seeking-evade-us-restrictions-2025-03-21/ |access-date=March 21, 2025 |work=[[Reuters]]}}

=== Bribery investigation === In 2020, it was disclosed that the [[United States Department of Justice]] opened an investigation into ZTE for potential violations of the [[Foreign Corrupt Practices Act]].{{Cite news |last1=Morgenson |first1=Gretchen |last2=Winter |first2=Tom |date=March 13, 2020 |title=The U.S. is now investigating Chinese telecom giant ZTE for alleged bribery |work=[[NBC News]] |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/business/corporations/u-s-now-investigating-chinese-telecom-giant-zte-alleged-bribery-n1156696 |url-status=live |access-date=March 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200316115401/https://www.nbcnews.com/business/corporations/u-s-now-investigating-chinese-telecom-giant-zte-alleged-bribery-n1156696 |archive-date=16 March 2020}}{{Cite news |last1=Viswanatha |first1=Aruna |last2=Corinne |first2=Ramey |date=2020-03-13 |title=U.S. Probes Chinese Telecom Giant ZTE for Possible Bribery |language=en-US |work=[[The Wall Street Journal]] |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-probes-chinese-telecom-giant-zte-for-possible-bribery-11584130936 |url-status=live |access-date=2020-03-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200316115401/https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-probes-chinese-telecom-giant-zte-for-possible-bribery-11584130936 |archive-date=16 March 2020 |issn=0099-9660}}

==Ownership== {{as of|2019|06|30|df=y}}, Zhongxing Xin ({{lang-zh|t=中興新|l=Zhongxing New}}; aka ZTE Holdings), an intermediate holding company, owned 27.40% stake of ZTE.{{Cite report |url=https://res-www.zte.com.cn/mediares/zte/Investor/20190429/E3.pdf |title=2019 First Quarterly Report |date=29 April 2019 |publisher=ZTE |access-date=28 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190828082546/https://res-www.zte.com.cn/mediares/zte/Investor/20190429/E3.pdf |archive-date=28 August 2019 |url-status=live}}{{Cite news |last=Rohrlich |first=Justin |date=October 11, 2020 |title=The ZTE Conundrum |work=The Wire China |url=https://www.thewirechina.com/2020/10/11/the-zte-conundrum/ |url-status=live |access-date=October 11, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201021123349/https://www.thewirechina.com/2020/10/11/the-zte-conundrum/ |archive-date=21 October 2020}} The shareholders of ZTE Holdings were Xi'an Microelectronics ({{lang-zh|s=西安微电子技术研究所}}; a subsidiary of the state-owned [[China Academy of Aerospace Electronics Technology]]) with 34%, Aerospace Guangyu ({{lang-zh|s=深圳航天广宇工业有限公司}}; a subsidiary of the state-owned [[China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation]] Shenzhen Group) with 14.5%, Zhongxing WXT ({{lang-zh|s=深圳市中兴维先通设备有限公司}}; aka Zhongxing Weixiantong) with 49%, and a private equity fund Guoxing Ruike ({{lang-zh|t=國興睿科}}) with 2.5%.{{Cite report |url=https://res-www.zte.com.cn/mediares/zte/Investor/20190410/E1.pdf |title=Annual Report 2018 |date=2019 |publisher=ZTE |language=en |access-date=28 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190810171550/https://res-www.zte.com.cn/mediares/zte/Investor/20190410/E1.pdf |archive-date=10 August 2019 |url-status=live}} The first two shareholders are [[state-owned enterprise]]s, nominating 5 out 9 directors of ZTE Holdings, while Zhongxing WXT was owned by the founders of ZTE, including Hou Weigui, which Zhongxing WXT nominated the rest of the directors (4 out 9) of ZTE Holdings.{{rp|110–112}}

The mixed ownership model of ZTE was described as "a firm is an [[state-owned enterprise|SOE]] from the standpoint of ownership, but a POE [privately owned enterprises] from the standpoint of management" by an article in ''[[The Georgetown Law Journal]]''.{{Cite journal |last1=Milhaupt |first1=Curtis J. |last2=Zheng |first2=Wentong |date=2014-03-22 |title=Beyond Ownership: State Capitalism and the Chinese Firm |journal=[[The Georgetown Law Journal]] |language=en |volume=103 |issue=665 |page=676 |ssrn=2413019}} ZTE described itself as "state-owned and private-run". The ''[[Financial Times]]'' described ZTE as state-owned.{{Cite news |last=Fildes |first=Nic |date=16 April 2018 |title=Cyber security watchdog warns UK telcos against using equipment from Chinese supplier ZTE |work=[[Financial Times]] |location=London |url=https://www.ft.com/content/24c998b4-416c-11e8-803a-295c97e6fd0b |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |access-date=16 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180616180410/https://www.ft.com/content/24c998b4-416c-11e8-803a-295c97e6fd0b |archive-date=16 June 2018}} Other scholars have noted the links between ZTE's state-owned shareholders and the [[People's Liberation Army]].{{Cite news |last=Balding |first=Christopher |date=19 July 2018 |title=ZTE's Ties to China's Military-Industrial Complex Run Deep |work=[[Foreign Policy]] |url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2018/07/19/ztes-ties-to-chinas-military-industrial-complex-run-deep/ |url-status=live |access-date=11 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200107110652/https://foreignpolicy.com/2018/07/19/ztes-ties-to-chinas-military-industrial-complex-run-deep/ |archive-date=7 January 2020}}

==Subsidiaries== [[File:ZTE_in_Nanshan_District_Shenzhen.jpg|thumb|ZTE in Shenzhen Nanshan Science Park]]

ZTE has several international subsidiaries in countries including [[Indonesia]], [[Australia]],{{Cite web |title=About ZTE Australia |url=http://www.ztemobiles.com.au/ZTE_about.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201203123208/http://www.ztemobiles.com.au/ZTE_about.htm |archive-date=3 December 2020 |access-date=2020-12-03 |publisher=ZTE Australia}}{{Cite web |title=Asia Pacific |url=http://wwwen.zte.com.cn/en/about/global_sales_offices/asia_pacific/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100120110418/http://wwwen.zte.com.cn/en/about/global_sales_offices/asia_pacific/ |archive-date=20 January 2010 |publisher=ZTE}} [[Germany]],{{Cite press release |title=ZTE opens new office in Bonn, Germany |date=18 November 2008 |url=http://wwwen.zte.com.cn/en/press_center/news/200811/t20081118_160172.html |last1=Ma |first1=Margrete |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707023745/http://wwwen.zte.com.cn/en/press_center/news/200811/t20081118_160172.html |archive-date=7 July 2011 |publisher=ZTE}} the [[United States]],{{Cite press release |title=Pocket Communications Launches ZTE's Tri-Band C79 and C78 |date=2 April 2009 |url=http://wwwen.zte.com.cn/en/press_center/news/200904/t20090402_171120.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110518012119/http://wwwen.zte.com.cn/en/press_center/news/200904/t20090402_171120.html |archive-date=18 May 2011 |publisher=ZTE}}{{Cite press release |title=ZTE Opens LTE Laboratory in North America |date=20 October 2009 |url=http://wwwen.zte.com.cn/en/press_center/news/200910/t20091020_176332.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091125135040/http://wwwen.zte.com.cn/en/press_center/news/200910/t20091020_176332.html |archive-date=25 November 2009 |publisher=ZTE}} [[India]],{{Cite news |last=Khan |first=Danish |date=24 July 2018 |title=ZTE resumes operations in India after US-ban lift; set for 5G deals: Sources |publisher=ET Telecom |language=en |url=https://telecom.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/zte-resumes-operations-in-india-after-us-ban-lift-set-for-5g-deals-sources/65113328 |url-status=live |access-date=2020-07-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729033235/https://telecom.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/zte-resumes-operations-in-india-after-us-ban-lift-set-for-5g-deals-sources/65113328 |archive-date=29 July 2020}} [[Brazil]],{{Cite web |title=ZTE expects $1bn in Brazil sales in 2011 |url=https://www.zte.com.cn/global/topics/mwc2018/newsdetail.aspx-id=119622845.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729040405/https://www.zte.com.cn/global/topics/mwc2018/newsdetail.aspx-id=119622845.html |archive-date=29 July 2020 |access-date=2020-07-29 |publisher=ZTE}}{{Cite news |last=Kim |first=Yun-Hee |date=15 April 2011 |title=ZTE expects $1bn in Brazil sales in 2011 |work=Total Telecom |url=http://www.totaltele.com/view.aspx?ID=464090 |url-status=live |access-date=3 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110421012420/http://www.totaltele.com/view.aspx?ID=464090 |archive-date=21 April 2011}} [[Sri Lanka]],{{Cite press release |title=Sri Lanka's Mobitel and ZTE Corporation Carry Out the First Successful 4G(LTE) Trial in South Asia |date=17 May 2011 |location=Shenzhen |url=https://www.zte.com.cn/global/about/news/351110 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200823225325/https://www.zte.com.cn/global/about/news/351110 |archive-date=23 August 2020 |publisher=ZTE}} [[Myanmar]],{{Cite magazine |last=Nitta |first=Yuichi |date=17 May 2019 |title=ZTE signs deal to help launch 5G in Myanmar |url=https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/5G-networks/ZTE-signs-deal-to-help-launch-5G-in-Myanmar |url-status=live |magazine=[[Nikkei Asian Review]] |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729034738/https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/5G-networks/ZTE-signs-deal-to-help-launch-5G-in-Myanmar |archive-date=29 July 2020 |access-date=2020-07-29}} [[Singapore]],{{Cite press release |title=ZTE opens Asia-Pacific headquarters in Singapore |date=30 August 2006 |url=https://www.zte.com.cn/global/about/news/350554.html |access-date=2020-07-29 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200823225307/https://www.zte.com.cn/global/about/news/350554.html |archive-date=23 August 2020 |publisher=ZTE}} and [[Romania]].{{Cite press release |title=ZTE Wins COSMOTE Romania LTE Contract |date=2014-08-25 |url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20140825006079/en/ZTE-Wins-COSMOTE-Romania-LTE-Contract |language=en |access-date=2020-07-29 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729033232/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20140825006079/en/ZTE-Wins-COSMOTE-Romania-LTE-Contract |archive-date=29 July 2020 |website=[[Business Wire]]}}

[[ZTEsoft]] engages in ICT industry and specializes in providing [[OSS/BSS|BSS/OSS]], [[big data]] products and services to telecom operators, and ICT, [[smart city]] and industry products and services to enterprises and governments.{{Cite web |title=ZTEsoft Technology Company Profile {{!}} Management and Employees List |url=https://www.datanyze.com/companies/ztesoft-technology/507357458 |access-date=2026-02-22 |website=Datanyze |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2025-07-03 |title=ZTEsoft Technology - 2025 Company Profile & Team - Tracxn |url=https://tracxn.com/d/companies/ztesoft-technology/___ORmFYJSdUcpdlI6S6nCMn4JHRHIHhNBDxOvXdx6Zyw |access-date=2026-02-22 |website=tracxn.com |language=en}} [[File:ZTE Office Building SZ1.jpg|thumb|ZTE Office Building SZ1]]

[[Nubia Technology]] was a fully owned subsidiary of ZTE Corporation. The company has subsequently disposed of the majority of its equity in the company. In 2017 it reduced its stake to 49.9%.{{Cite report |url=http://res.www.zte.com.cn/mediares/zte/Investor/20170727/E3.pdf |title=Disposal of 10.1% of the equity interest in Nubia Technology Limited |date=27 July 2017 |publisher=ZTE |page=5 |access-date=8 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170822124248/http://res.www.zte.com.cn/mediares/zte/Investor/20170727/E3.pdf |archive-date=22 August 2017 |url-status=live}}

[[Zonergy]] is a renewables company with interests in electricity generation through solar parks in China and Pakistan and palm oil cultivation in Indonesia to produce biofuels. ZTE is a major shareholder and was instrumental in the creation of the company in 2007 but holds a minority of the shares in the entity.{{Cite book |last=Brautigam |first=Deborah |title=Will Africa feed China? |publisher=[[Oxford University Press, USA]] |year=2015 |isbn=978-0-19-939686-3 |location=New York |oclc=919921066}}

ZTE agreed to take over a 48% stake in Turkish company Netaş Telekomünikasyon A.Ş. for $101.3 million from the American private equity firm [[One Equity Partners]] in December 2016.{{Cite press release |title=ZTE to acquire 48% stake in Netas to support growth in Turkey and Eurasia |date=2016-12-06 |url=http://www.zte.com.cn/global/about/news/1206 |access-date=2021-03-17 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201021044444/https://www.zte.com.cn/global/about/news/1206 |archive-date=2020-10-21 |publisher=ZTE}}{{Cite news |date=6 December 2016 |title=ZTE buys 48 pct Netas for $101 mln, eyes expansion in Turkey |publisher=[[Reuters]] |publication-place=Hong Kong |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/zte-netas-telekom-acquisition-idUSL4N1E10WY |url-status=live |access-date=March 5, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161208121621/http://www.reuters.com/article/zte-netas-telekom-acquisition-idUSL4N1E10WY |archive-date=8 December 2016}}{{Cite news |last=Gonultas |first=Bahattin |date=2017-11-29 |title=China's ZTE to increase its investments in Turkey |publisher=[[Anadolu Agency]] |location=Ankara |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/chinas-zte-to-increase-its-investments-in-turkey/984846 |url-status=live |access-date=March 5, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210116032555/https://www.aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/chinas-zte-to-increase-its-investments-in-turkey/984846 |archive-date=16 January 2021}} Following the acquisition in August 2017, ZTE has become its largest shareholder while Netaş remains an independent company.{{Cite press release |title=ZTE Completes Investment in Netas |date=3 August 2017 |url=https://www.zte.com.cn/global/about/news/0803ma |access-date=March 5, 2021 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210119105223/https://www.zte.com.cn/global/about/news/0803ma |archive-date=19 January 2021 |publisher=ZTE}}

==Products== [[File:5G_phone_-ZTE_Axon_10_Pro_5G(2).jpg|thumb|ZTE Axon 10 Pro]] ZTE operates in three business segments: carrier networks, government and corporate business, and consumer business.{{Cite news |last=Duckett |first=Chris |date=2018-03-02 |title=Dissecting ZTE: What it is and what it wants to be |work=ZDNet |url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/dissecting-zte-what-it-is-and-what-it-wants-to-be/ |access-date=2021-03-29}} In October 2010, ZTE's unified encryption module received U.S./Canada FIPS140-2 security certification.{{Cite web |date=9 September 2011 |title=ZTE Unified Platform Cryptographic Library Version 1.1 |url=http://csrc.nist.gov/groups/STM/cmvp/documents/140-1/140sp/140sp1586.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131010145615/http://csrc.nist.gov/groups/STM/cmvp/documents/140-1/140sp/140sp1586.pdf |archive-date=10 October 2013 |access-date=4 September 2013 |via=[[National Institute of Standards and Technology]] Computer Security Resource Center |publisher=ZTE and Atsec Information Security Corporation}}{{Cite web |date=5 July 2011 |title=ZTE Unified Element Management Platform Cryptographic Module Version 4.11.10 |url=http://csrc.nist.gov/groups/STM/cmvp/documents/140-1/140sp/140sp1589.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130313065457/http://csrc.nist.gov/groups/STM/cmvp/documents/140-1/140sp/140sp1589.pdf |archive-date=13 March 2013 |access-date=4 September 2013 |via=[[National Institute of Standards and Technology]] Computer Security Resource Center |publisher=ZTE and Atsec Information Security Corporation}}

ZTE was also reported to have developed identification cards for Venezuela that were allegedly used for tracking and social control.{{Cite news |last=Berwick |first=Angus |date=November 14, 2018 |title=How ZTE helps Venezuela create China-style social control |publisher=[[Reuters]] |url=https://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/venezuela-zte/ |url-status=live |access-date=February 25, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181114144758/https://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/venezuela-zte/ |archive-date=14 November 2018}}

=== Smartphones === ZTE markets its smartphones under multiple product lines, including Axon, Nubia, RedMagic, and Blade, each addressing different segments of the consumer smartphone market.{{Cite web |last=published |first=Tom Bedford |date=2022-02-01 |title=What are ZTE phones? A guide to the company and its smartphones |url=https://www.techradar.com/news/what-are-zte-phones-a-guide-to-the-company-and-its-smartphones |access-date=2026-02-22 |website=TechRadar |language=en}}

'''Axon series'''

• Axon
• [[ZTE Axon 7|Axon 7]]
• Axon 7 mini
• Axon 7 Max
• Axon 9 Pro
• Axon 10 Pro
• Axon 10s Pro

==Customers== [[File:ZTE MWC 2015.jpg|thumb|ZTE booth at [[Mobile World Congress]] 2015 in Barcelona]]

During the 2000s, the majority of ZTE's customers were [[mobile network operator]]s that came from the [[developing world]], but ZTE products also saw use in [[developed country|developed countries]] as well. Among ZTE's clients from the [[First world countries|first world]] included Britain's [[Vodafone]], Canada's [[Telus Communications|Telus]] and [[Fido Solutions|Fido]], Australia's [[Telstra]], as well as [[France Telecom]] have all purchased equipment from ZTE.For Vodafone and France Telecom sales, see {{cite web|url=http://wwwen.zte.com.cn/en/press_center/news/200710/t20071008_156824.html |title=ZTE Wins China Mobile WAP Expansion Contract |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724133035/http://wwwen.zte.com.cn/en/press_center/news/200710/t20071008_156824.html |archivedate=24 July 2011 |url-status=dead |publisher=ZTE |date=16 October 2007 }} *For Telus sales, see {{cite web |url=http://wwwen.zte.com.cn/en/press_center/news/200608/t20060818_156669.html |title=ZTE Breaks into North America with First Shipment of 3G Terminals for Canada |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724132852/http://wwwen.zte.com.cn/en/press_center/news/200608/t20060818_156669.html |archive-date=24 July 2011 |publisher=ZTE |date=Sep 26, 2006 |url-status=dead}} *For Public Mobile sales, see {{cite web |url=http://wwwen.zte.com.cn/en/press_center/news/201006/t20100603_185758.html |title=ZTE Partners with Public Mobile to Build CDMA Network in Canada |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724133444/http://wwwen.zte.com.cn/en/press_center/news/201006/t20100603_185758.html |archive-date=24 July 2011 |publisher=ZTE |date=3 June 2010 |url-status=dead }}

Many Chinese telecommunications operators are also clients of ZTE, including [[China Netcom]],{{cite web |url=http://wwwen.zte.com.cn/en/press_center/news/200603/t20060324_156278.html |title=China Netcom's first IPTV agreement confirms ZTE as major international IPTV network provider |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724132910/http://wwwen.zte.com.cn/en/press_center/news/200603/t20060324_156278.html |archive-date=24 July 2011 |publisher=ZTE |date=30 August 2006 |url-status=dead}} *{{cite web |url-status=dead |url=http://wwwen.zte.com.cn/en/press_center/news/200712/t20071205_156826.html |title=ZTE to Build World's First AVSIPTV Commercial Network with China Netcom Group |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724132940/http://wwwen.zte.com.cn/en/press_center/news/200712/t20071205_156826.html |archive-date=24 July 2011 |publisher=ZTE |date=6 December 2007}} [[China Mobile]],{{cite web |url-status=dead |url=http://wwwen.zte.com.cn/en/press_center/news/200511/t20051118_156358.html |title=ZTE to Install the World's Largest Optical Transmission Network |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110509090628/http://wwwen.zte.com.cn/en/press_center/news/200511/t20051118_156358.html |archive-date=9 May 2011 |publisher=ZTE |date=30 August 2006}} *{{cite web |url-status=dead |url=http://wwwen.zte.com.cn/en/press_center/news/200911/t20091127_177070.html |title=ZTE Partners with China Mobile to Complete IndustryFirst Commercial IMSBased HD Video Conference System |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100706000600/http://wwwen.zte.com.cn/en/press_center/news/200911/t20091127_177070.html |archive-date=6 July 2010 |publisher=ZTE |date=27 November 2009}} [[China Satcom]],{{cite web |url-status=dead |url=http://wwwen.zte.com.cn/en/press_center/news/200509/t20050913_156276.html |title=ZTE and China Satcom to provide GoTa network for China's 10th National Games |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100226214631/http://wwwen.zte.com.cn/en/press_center/news/200509/t20050913_156276.html |archive-date=26 February 2010 |publisher=ZTE |date=30 August 2006}} [[China Telecom]],{{cite web |url-status=dead |url=http://wwwen.zte.com.cn/en/press_center/news/200611/t20061114_156805.html |title=ZTE Bags Major Value Added Services Contracts in China |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724133150/http://wwwen.zte.com.cn/en/press_center/news/200611/t20061114_156805.html |archive-date=24 July 2011 |publisher=ZTE |date=2006-11-14}} *[http://wwwen.zte.com.cn/en/press_center/news/200601/t20060106_156483.html ZTE bags China Telecom's largest metropolitan NGN project] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724133318/http://wwwen.zte.com.cn/en/press_center/news/200601/t20060106_156483.html |date=24 July 2011 }} ZTE, 30 August 2006 *[http://wwwen.zte.com.cn/en/press_center/news/200811/t20081119_160188.html ZTE Inks 1.33 billion RMB CDMA Contract with China Telecom] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724133233/http://wwwen.zte.com.cn/en/press_center/news/200811/t20081119_160188.html |date=24 July 2011 }} ZTE, 20 November 2008 *[http://wwwen.zte.com.cn/en/press_center/news/200511/t20051121_156347.html ZTE Exclusively Awarded IPTV Project by China Telecom, Jiangsu Branch] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724133027/http://wwwen.zte.com.cn/en/press_center/news/200511/t20051121_156347.html |date=24 July 2011 }} ZTE, 2006-08-30 *[http://wwwen.zte.com.cn/en/press_center/news/200508/t20050816_156258.html ZTE to install first polyphonic ringtone gateway for China Telecom] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110509090623/http://wwwen.zte.com.cn/en/press_center/news/200508/t20050816_156258.html |date=9 May 2011 }} ZTE, 2006-08-30 *[http://wwwen.zte.com.cn/en/press_center/news/200511/t20051125_156211.html ZTE Strengthens Competitive Position with Third China Telecom IPTV Project] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724133134/http://wwwen.zte.com.cn/en/press_center/news/200511/t20051125_156211.html |date=24 July 2011 }} ZTE, 2006-08-30 *[http://wwwen.zte.com.cn/en/press_center/news/200904/t20090407_171089.html ZTE Helps China Telecom Achieve the Recognition as First in the World to Offer EPONbased 3G Services] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724133243/http://wwwen.zte.com.cn/en/press_center/news/200904/t20090407_171089.html |date=24 July 2011 }} ZTE, 2009-04-07 [http://wwwen.zte.com.cn/en/press_center/news/200911/t20091130_177111.html ZTE Collaborates with China Telecom to Build IMS Network Solution] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091204014826/http://wwwen.zte.com.cn/en/press_center/news/200911/t20091130_177111.html |date=4 December 2009 }} ZTE, 30 November 2009 and [[China Unicom]].{{cite web |url-status=dead|url=http://wwwen.zte.com.cn/en/press_center/news/200812/t20081215_160193.html |title=ZTE Secures More than Half of China Unicom GSM Value-Added Service System 2008 Tender |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724132647/http://wwwen.zte.com.cn/en/press_center/news/200812/t20081215_160193.html|archive-date=24 July 2011 |publisher=ZTE |date=5 December 2008}}[http://wwwen.zte.com.cn/en/press_center/news/200607/t20060707_156286.html ZTE Network Equipment Destined for World's Highest Railway]{{dead link|date=December 2023 }}ZTE, 30 August 2006 *[http://wwwen.zte.com.cn/en/press_center/news/200912/t20091208_178292.html ZTE Provides Green 3G Network through Innovative Wind and Solar Solutions] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100706000611/http://wwwen.zte.com.cn/en/press_center/news/200912/t20091208_178292.html |date=6 July 2010 }} ZTE, 8 December 2009 *[http://wwwen.zte.com.cn/en/press_center/news/200602/t20060211_156336.html ZTE to install China's largest voice access platform]{{Dead link|date=March 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} ZTE, 2006-08-30 *[http://wwwen.zte.com.cn/en/press_center/news/200610/t20061011_156753.html ZTE to Build Three FibreOptic Networks for China Unicom]{{Dead link|date=March 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} ZTE, 2006-10-11 *[http://wwwen.zte.com.cn/en/press_center/news/200702/t20070207_156583.html ZTE inks deal with China Unicom for CDMA handsets]{{Dead link|date=March 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} ZTE, 7 February 2007

ZTE began to offer smartphones in the United States in 2011. The company elected to focus its efforts on low-cost products for discount and prepaid wireless carriers, including devices with premium features typically associated with high-end products, such as large high-resolution screens and fingerprint readers.

==Sponsorship== In May 2016, ZTE became the co-sponsor of German football team, [[Borussia Mönchengladbach]].{{Cite web |date=22 May 2016 |title=Chinese brand ZTE becomes co-sponsor of Borussia Mönchengladbach |url=http://gsminsider.com/2016/05/chinese-brand-zte-becomes-co-sponsor-of-borussia-monchengladbach/ |first1=Mark |last1=Collins |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160527072132/http://gsminsider.com/2016/05/chinese-brand-zte-becomes-co-sponsor-of-borussia-monchengladbach/ |archive-date=27 May 2016 |access-date=25 May 2016 |publisher=GSM Insider}}

Since 2015, several U.S.-based [[National Basketball Association]] teams have had sponsorship deals with ZTE, including the [[Houston Rockets]], [[Golden State Warriors]], and [[New York Knicks]].{{Cite web |title=NBA team goes full court for Lunar New Year |url=http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/201802/28/WS5a964cb0a3106e7dcc13ea05.html |first1=Judy |last1=Zhu |date=2018-02-28 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180510112914/http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/201802/28/WS5a964cb0a3106e7dcc13ea05.html |archive-date=10 May 2018 |access-date=2018-05-10 |website=[[China Daily]]}}{{Cite news |title=ZTE Looks to NBA Team Sponsorships for Marketing Assist |work=Recode |url=https://www.recode.net/2015/1/2/11557430/zte-looks-to-nba-team-sponsorships-for-marketing-assist |first1=Ina |last1=Fried |date=Jan 2, 2015 |url-status=dead |access-date=2018-05-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180511013027/https://www.recode.net/2015/1/2/11557430/zte-looks-to-nba-team-sponsorships-for-marketing-assist |archive-date=11 May 2018}}

==Controversies== ===Bans=== ZTE has been banned in multiple countries over national security concerns and alleged spying.{{Cite web |last=Kharpal |first=Arjun |date=2018-08-23 |title=Huawei and ZTE banned from selling 5G equipment to Australia |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2018/08/23/huawei-and-zte-banned-from-selling-5g-equipment-to-australia.html |access-date=2024-08-19 |publisher=CNBC |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=casper.lundgreen |date=2020-01-26 |title=UK restricts Huawei and bans ZTE |url=https://strandconsult.dk/uk-restricts-huawei-and-bans-zte/ |access-date=2024-08-19 |publisher=Strand Consult |language=en-GB |archive-date=24 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240224234105/https://strandconsult.dk/uk-restricts-huawei-and-bans-zte/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=2024-08-12 |title=Eleven EU countries took 5G security measures to ban Huawei, ZTE |url=https://www.euronews.com/next/2024/08/12/eleven-eu-countries-took-5g-security-measures-to-ban-huawei-zte |access-date=2024-08-19 |website=euronews |language=en}}{{Cite news |last=Denyer |first=Simon |date=2018-12-10 |title=Japan effectively bans China's Huawei and ZTE from government contracts, joining U.S. |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/japan-effectively-bans-chinas-huawei-zte-from-government-contracts-joining-us/2018/12/10/748fe98a-fc69-11e8-ba87-8c7facdf6739_story.html |access-date=2024-08-19 |newspaper=The Washington Post |language=en-US |issn=0190-8286 |archive-date=17 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231117005307/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/japan-effectively-bans-chinas-huawei-zte-from-government-contracts-joining-us/2018/12/10/748fe98a-fc69-11e8-ba87-8c7facdf6739_story.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Taiwan reinforces ban on Huawei, ZTE network parts among security concerns |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/international/taiwan-reinforces-ban-on-huawei-zte-network-parts-among-security-concerns-118121100247_1.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181212190617/https://www.business-standard.com/article/international/taiwan-reinforces-ban-on-huawei-zte-network-parts-among-security-concerns-118121100247_1.html |archive-date=2018-12-12 |website=Business Standard Taiwan}}

===Bribes for contracts===

==== Norway ==== Norwegian telecommunications giant [[Telenor]], one of the world's largest mobile operators, banned ZTE from "participating in tenders and new business opportunities for 6 months because of an alleged breach of its code of conduct in a procurement proceeding" during a five-month time span ending in March 2009.{{cite web |url-status=live |url=http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/business/10/21/08/norways-telco-giant-bans-zte-6-months |title=Norway's telco giant bans ZTE for 6 months |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110614140053/http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/business/10/21/08/norways-telco-giant-bans-zte-6-months |archive-date=14 June 2011 |website=ABS-CBN News |date=21 October 2008 |first1=Carmela |last1=Fonbuena }}

==== Philippines ==== {{main|NBN–ZTE deal corruption scandal}}

Contracts with ZTE to build a broadband network for the Philippine government reportedly involved kickbacks to government officials.[http://in.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-29667620070922 Arroyo suspends telecoms deal with Chinese firm] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110813070001/http://in.reuters.com/article/2007/09/22/idINIndia-29667620070922 |date=13 August 2011 }} reuters.com, 22 September 2007 The project was later cancelled.{{Cite news |last1=LaFraniere |first1=Sharon |last2=Grobler |first2=John |date=2009-09-21 |title=China Spreads Aid in Africa, With a Catch |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/22/world/africa/22namibia.html |url-status=live |access-date=2020-07-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190913091002/https://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/22/world/africa/22namibia.html |archive-date=13 September 2019 |issn=0362-4331}}

==== West Africa ==== Court documents filed in the US show that ZTE had a practice of handing over “brown paper bags” of cash to win contracts in West Africa. The company had an entire department dedicated to bribe management.{{Cite web |date=2018-05-13 |title=Chinese telco ZTE bribed its way to greatness, now focuses on Australia |url=https://www.afr.com/companies/telecommunications/chinese-telco-zte-bribed-its-way-to-greatness-now-focuses-on-australia-20180513-h0zztm |access-date=2024-08-19 |website=Australian Financial Review |language=en |archive-date=5 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240605003432/https://www.afr.com/companies/telecommunications/chinese-telco-zte-bribed-its-way-to-greatness-now-focuses-on-australia-20180513-h0zztm |url-status=live }}

==== South America ==== In December 2025, ZTE announced that it was in "ongoing communication" with the U.S. Department of Justice regarding its investigation into alleged ZTE violations of the [[Foreign Corrupt Practices Act]] (FCPA) involving bribery to secure telecommunications contracts in South America.{{Cite news |last=Freifeld |first=Karen |last2=Lynch |first2=Sarah N. |date=December 11, 2025 |title=Exclusive: China's ZTE may pay over $1 billion to the US over foreign bribery allegations, sources say |url=https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/society-equity/chinas-zte-may-pay-more-than-1-billion-us-over-foreign-bribery-allegations-2025-12-11/ |access-date=December 14, 2025 |work=[[Reuters]]}}

===Surveillance system sale=== In December 2010, ZTE sold systems for [[electronic eavesdropping|eavesdropping]] on phone and Internet communications to the government-controlled [[Telecommunication Company of Iran]]. This system may help Iran monitor and track political dissidents.{{Cite news |last=Stecklow |first=Steve |date=22 March 2012 |title=Special Report: Chinese firm helps Iran spy on citizens |publisher=[[Reuters]] |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-iran-telecoms-idUSBRE82L0B820120322 |url-status=live |access-date=23 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120322221412/http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/03/22/us-iran-telecoms-idUSBRE82L0B820120322 |archive-date=22 March 2012}}

===Security=== At least one ZTE mobile phone (sold as the ''ZTE Score'' in the United States by [[Cricket Wireless|Cricket]] and [[MetroPCS]]) can be remotely accessed by anyone with an easily obtained password.{{Cite news |last1=Wagstaff |first1=Jeremy |last2=Chyen Yee |first2=Lee |date=18 May 2012 |title=ZTE confirms security hole in U.S. phone |publisher=[[Reuters]] |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-zte-phone-idUSBRE84H08J20120518 |url-status=live |access-date=20 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120519134515/http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/05/18/us-zte-phone-idUSBRE84H08J20120518 |archive-date=19 May 2012}}

ZTE, as well as [[Huawei]], has faced scrutiny by the U.S. federal government over allegations that Chinese government surveillance could be performed through its handsets and infrastructure equipment.{{Cite news |last=Salinas |first=Sara |date=2018-02-13 |title=Six top US intelligence chiefs caution against buying Huawei phones |publisher=CNBC |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2018/02/13/chinas-hauwei-top-us-intelligence-chiefs-caution-americans-away.html |url-status=live |access-date=2018-02-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180214211631/https://www.cnbc.com/2018/02/13/chinas-hauwei-top-us-intelligence-chiefs-caution-americans-away.html |archive-date=14 February 2018}} In 2012, the [[United States House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence|House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence]] issued a report recommending that the government be prohibited from purchasing equipment from the firms, citing them as possible threats to national security.{{Cite news |last1=Schmidt |first1=Michael S. |last2=Bradsher |first2=Keith |last3=Hauser |first3=Christine |date=2012-10-08 |title=U.S. Panel Calls Huawei and ZTE 'National Security Threat' |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/09/us/us-panel-calls-huawei-and-zte-national-security-threat.html |url-status=live |access-date=2018-04-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170309075207/http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/09/us/us-panel-calls-huawei-and-zte-national-security-threat.html |archive-date=9 March 2017 |issn=0362-4331}}{{Cite web |date=14 February 2018 |title=U.S. intelligence agencies are still warning against buying Huawei and ZTE phones |url=https://techcrunch.com/2018/02/14/u-s-intelligence-agencies-are-still-warning-against-buying-huawei-and-zte-phones/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180416204145/https://techcrunch.com/2018/02/14/u-s-intelligence-agencies-are-still-warning-against-buying-huawei-and-zte-phones/ |archive-date=16 April 2018 |access-date=2018-04-16 |website=TechCrunch |language=en-US}}{{Cite news |title=A new bill would ban the US government from using Huawei and ZTE phones |work=The Verge |url=https://www.theverge.com/2018/1/14/16890110/new-bill-ban-huawei-zte-phones-tech-congress-mike-conaway-cybersecurity |url-status=live |access-date=2018-04-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180417024339/https://www.theverge.com/2018/1/14/16890110/new-bill-ban-huawei-zte-phones-tech-congress-mike-conaway-cybersecurity |archive-date=17 April 2018}} A ban on government purchases of Huawei and ZTE equipment was formalized in a [[John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019|defense funding bill]] passed in August 2018.{{Cite news |last=Lee |first=Timothy B. |date=14 August 2018 |title=New law bans US gov't from buying tech from Chinese giants ZTE and Huawei |language=en-us |work=[[Ars Technica]] |url=https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2018/08/trump-signs-bill-banning-feds-from-using-huawei-zte-technology/ |url-status=live |access-date=2018-10-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190529164610/https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2018/08/trump-signs-bill-banning-feds-from-using-huawei-zte-technology/ |archive-date=29 May 2019}}

Following the [[2020–2021 China–India skirmishes]], India announced that ZTE would be blocked from participating in the country's 5G network for national security reasons.{{Cite news |last=Chaudhary |first=Archana |date=August 13, 2020 |title=China's Huawei, ZTE Set To Be Shut Out of India's 5G Trials |work=Bloomberg News |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-08-13/china-s-huawei-zte-set-to-be-shut-out-of-india-s-5g-trials |url-status=live |access-date=August 14, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200820120541/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-08-13/china-s-huawei-zte-set-to-be-shut-out-of-india-s-5g-trials |archive-date=20 August 2020}} Sweden has also banned the use of ZTE telecommunications equipment in its 5G network on the advice of its military and security service, which said China is "one of the biggest threats against Sweden."{{Cite news |last1=Mukherjee |first1=Supantha |last2=Soderpalm |first2=Helena |date=2020-10-20 |title=Sweden bans Huawei, ZTE from upcoming 5G networks |language=en |publisher=[[Reuters]] |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/sweden-huawei-int-idUSKBN2750WA |url-status=live |access-date=2020-12-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201214040827/https://www.reuters.com/article/sweden-huawei-int-idUSKBN2750WA |archive-date=14 December 2020}} In 2025, the [[European Commission]] was reported to be exploring ways to phase ZTE products out of their member states' telecommunication networks, citing security reasons.{{Cite news |last=Deutsch |first=Jillian |last2=Volpicelli |first2=Gian |date=November 10, 2025 |title=EU Eyes Banning Huawei From Mobile Networks of Member Countries |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-11-10/eu-eyes-banning-huawei-from-mobile-networks-of-member-countries |access-date=November 11, 2025 |work=[[Bloomberg News]]}}

===Operations in Russia=== {{See also|China and the Russian invasion of Ukraine}}

During the [[Russian invasion of Ukraine]], ZTE refused to withdraw from the Russian market. Research from [[Yale University]] published on 10 August 2022 identified ZTE among the companies defying demands to exit Russia or reduce business activities.{{Cite web |last= |title=Almost 1,000 Companies Have Curtailed Operations in Russia—But Some Remain |url=https://som.yale.edu/story/2022/almost-1000-companies-have-curtailed-operations-russia-some-remain |access-date=10 August 2022 |publisher=[[Yale School of Management]] |archive-date=3 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220503071556/https://som.yale.edu/story/2022/almost-1000-companies-have-curtailed-operations-russia-some-remain |url-status=live }}

==References== {{Reflist|30em}}

==External links== {{Commons category|ZTE Corporation}}

• {{Official website}}

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