America’s deal with ZTE could backfire

The US government has reached a deal with ZTE that will ease crippling sanctions on the Chinese smartphone company.
New deal: Wilbur Ross, the Commerce Secretary, told CNBC that the agreement calls for ZTE to pay a $1 billion fine for violating trade agreements, hire a US compliance team, and replace its board of directors.
Not so fast: Some US lawmakers are already hatching a plan to scuttle the new deal and restore sanctions that stopped US firms from sharing technology and expertise with the company. The measures put ZTE in such dire straits that some thought it could go out of business.
Blowback: Whatever happens to ZTE, the Trump administration’s aggressive stance toward China will have unintended consequences. The company's plight has attracted huge interest in China, and may prove a catalyst for the government to help Chinese firms become less dependent on the US for fundamental technology.