In a further sign of mounting tension between the US and China, the US Federal Communication Commission (FCC) on Wednesday took the initial step to “expel Hong Kong Telecom” from the US telecommunication network.

In a notice issued late in the day, the US regulatory agency announced that it had sent “Communist Party-controlled” HKT International an order to show cause why it should not revoke the carrier’s right to provide international and domestic services to and from the United States.

The basis for the show-cause order appeared to be that Hong Kong Telecom is affiliated with China Unicom (Americas), which is already listed on the agency’s Covered List involving national security determinations.

“Today’s order continues the FCC’s work of ensuring that CCP-controlled entities that pose national security risks to our country cannot connect to our telecom networks,” said FCC Chairman Brendan Carr in a statement.

“The FCC’s action on HKT today is an appropriate step towards ensuring the safety and integrity of our communications networks. The FCC will continue to safeguard America’s networks against penetration from foreign adversaries, like China.”