This seems like the most likely reason for domestic companies to deny everything, and for their supply chain distributors to play along.
1) Big company partners with distributor.
2) Distributor has security issues.
3) Gov is already aware of security issues, says nothing.
4) Big company becomes aware of issues.
5)Gov steps in and pitches a deal:
i)Both big company and distributor must deny.
ii)In return, gov gets to:
iii)Preserve any existing contracts
iv)Protect the big company and distributor, with any legal, trade, or commercial benefits
1) Big company partners with distributor. 2) Distributor has security issues. 3) Gov is already aware of security issues, says nothing. 4) Big company becomes aware of issues. 5)Gov steps in and pitches a deal: i)Both big company and distributor must deny. ii)In return, gov gets to: iii)Preserve any existing contracts iv)Protect the big company and distributor, with any legal, trade, or commercial benefits