China Telecom Giant Makes Push for US Market

Huawei Technologies is attempting a bold entrance onto the world's technology stage. In the span of a decade, it has gone from imitating others' products to taking on international rivals with its own innovative computing and communications gear. But Huawei has largely been locked out of the United States -- until now.

Sprint Nextel, the nation's third-largest wireless carrier, is preparing to make a decision on buying $3 billion in advanced wireless equipment, and Huawei is considered to be a front-runner for the deal. Huawei is one of many Chinese companies that are pushing into more sophisticated and lucrative businesses. But security concerns make telecommunications a particularly delicate industry in this country, and even the hint of a Huawei deal with Sprint has generated worries in Washington. Some in Congress and the national security establishment fear that Huawei's close ties to the Chinese military might allow China to tamper with American communications gear.