BANGKOK — China announced a series of economic measures Wednesday against the United States, including controls on exports of drones to the U.S. and a ban on dealings with six American entities, in response to recent restrictions imposed by Washington, reports BritPanorama.
Tensions are simmering between the world’s two biggest economies ahead of an expected visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to the U.S. in September, despite signs of warming ties during his meetings with U.S. President Donald Trump in Beijing in May.
The Commerce Ministry stated that the sanctions are a direct response to actions from the U.S., including a ban by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission on imports of Chinese drones, as well as the Department of Homeland Security’s decision to add 43 Chinese companies to the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act entity list.
The ministry asserted, “The measures seriously violate the important consensus reached by the two heads of state and severely damage China’s legitimate rights and interests. China has no choice but to take necessary countermeasures in response.”
It emphasized that China was acting with restraint and urged the U.S. to reverse its measures against Beijing and to cease its “erroneous practices.” Furthermore, it warned of potential further sanctions if new restrictive measures are introduced by the U.S.
Beijing now requires reviews on a case-by-case basis of exports of unmanned aerial vehicles, their key components, and related technologies on a list of export-controlled dual-use items that can have both civilian and military applications.
Six U.S. entities, including Applied DNA Sciences, Inc. and the non-governmental group Human Rights in China, were banned from engaging in trade or other activities with Chinese entities.
China also prohibited Compliance Testing LLC from conducting business in the country, as it was said to have collaborated with the FCC in “harming China’s sovereignty and security,” as per a separate statement from the Commerce Ministry.
Additionally, the ministry announced that it was investigating the potential impact on national security of imported printing software and office equipment, though it did not specify which companies would be affected.
The State Administration for Market Regulation indicated that U.S. companies conducting follow-up factory inspections for Chinese entities seeking CCC certification can no longer provide those certifications.
CCC certifications are intended to ensure that electronic products comply with basic safety standards. The new requirement will compel U.S. manufacturers of certified electronics to hire auditors based outside the U.S. or to utilize other non-U.S. designated entities for such certifications.
In December, the U.S. FCC had previously banned the import of new Chinese drones, although this ban was later revised to permit some models.
Furthermore, last week, Washington announced bans on the import of new foreign-made humanoid robots and power inverters due to national security concerns, effectively targeting China.
