China sanctions US on drone export controls, bans six American entities from trade
WASHINGTON (TNND) — China is taking economic action against the United States, announcing new measures in response to recently imposed restrictions by the Trump administration.
The sanctions come ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s travels to the U.S. in September. In May, President Donald Trump visited Beijing, receiving a warm welcome and leaving with claims of progress between the two nations.
The Commerce Ministry said the new measures include controls on drone exports to the U.S. and a ban on dealings with six American entities in response to recent moves by the U.S., including the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which banned imports of Chinese drones.
The FCC later revised the ban to allow some models. Last week, citing national security risks, the agency announced bans on imports of new foreign-made humanoid robots and power inverters.
The Department of Homeland Security also added 43 Chinese companies to the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act entity list, which prevents imports of goods made with forced labor.
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,” the ministry said.
China claims it has been acting with “restraint” and called on the U.S. to stop its measures against Beijing, calling them “erroneous practices.” The ministry also warned of additional sanctions.
China’s new sanctions include reviews “on a case-by-case basis” of exports of unmanned aerial vehicles, key components and related technologies on a list of export-controlled dual-use items. This includes both civilian and military use.
Six U.S. entities, including Applied DNA Sciences, Inc. and Human Rights in China, were also banned from “engaging in trade or other activities “with entities in China.
China also banned a company called Compliance Testing LLC from doing business in China because it had worked with the FCC in “harming China’s sovereignty and security,” another Commerce Ministry statement said.
The nation said it is also investigating possible national security implications of imported printing software and office equipment.
The State Administration for Market Regulation said U.S. companies that conduct follow-up factory inspections on behalf of Chinese entities for CCC certification, which ensures products meet safety standards, are no longer able to provide these certifications.
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The Associated Press contributed to this report.