The U.S. government on Thursday identified North Korea and five other countries as "foreign adversaries" to protect its information and communications technology and services(ICTS) supply chain. 

According to Reuters, the U.S. Commerce Department issued an interim rule aimed at securing the nation’s communication and technology supply chain that would prohibit certain transactions with North Korea, China, Russia, Iran, Venezuela and Cuba.

The rule, which implements an executive order signed by President Donald Trump in May 2019, will reportedly become effective in 60 days.

Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said that since day one, President Trump has been committed to protecting the national security of all Americans, and the implementation of this rule is a pivotal moment in this administration’s efforts to put America First and hold bad actors accountable.

The executive order was interpreted as a U.S. move to ban American companies from using any telecommunications equipment from certain foreign companies including the Chinese telecom giant Huawei.

[Photo : YONHAP News]