President Donald Trump applauded Italy for its closer scrutiny of its 5G supply chain during Italian President Sergio Mattarella’s visit to the White House on Oct. 16.
When asked if he’s satisfied with the measures that Italy decided to implement, Trump replied, “Well, I’ll answer is yes, I am satisfied. They’ve been very accommodating. They weren’t at the beginning. And they have been since then.”
Italy approved measures last month to allow its government special powers, which allow it to exclude untrustworthy suppliers from its 5G network.
The move comes as the United States continues to ask its allies to stay clear of Chinese Communist Party-controlled companies like HUAWEI and ZTE.
The call had been largely ignored by the former Italian government, which signed up to China’s Belt and Road infrastructure project earlier this year. Many deemed the move as Italy breaking with its EU and American allies.
However, the former government went into a political crisis in August and was replaced by an administration that’s more pro-EU and willing to strengthening ties with the United States.
Trump said the two countries will continue to work together in cybersecurity and infrastructure.