China introduced a raft of economic sanctions on the U.S. on Wednesday, including export controls on drones and a ban on business dealings with six American entities, the Commerce Ministry said. These measures followed U.S. actions that Beijing said infringe on Chinese rights and interests. Among the sanctioned firms are Applied DNA Sciences and Human Rights in China, a non-profit group.
U.S. policies under fire
The moves come in response to U.S. policies such as the ban on imports of Chinese drones, imposed by the Federal Communications Commission, and the listing of 43 Chinese companies under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act. China said these steps undermined bilateral agreements and urged the U.S. to reverse its decisions.
Beijing warned it may impose further sanctions if Washington introduces more restrictions. It also announced a review of the security risks posed by imported printing software and office equipment, though no companies were named in that investigation.
Certifications now out of U.S. hands
The State Administration for Market Regulation said that U.S. companies can no longer provide CCC certification services to Chinese entities. These certifications are required for electronics to comply with basic safety standards in China. The new rule means U.S. firms must now seek auditors located outside the U.S. or rely on non-U.S. certification bodies.
China also banned Compliance Testing LLC, citing its collaboration with the FCC in activities that “harm China’s sovereignty and security.” The company had previously conducted testing on drones and other products for the U.S. government.
Escalation amid diplomatic tensions
The new sanctions are the latest in a series of tit-for-tat measures between the world’s two largest economies. They arrive as U.S.-China relations show signs of both thawing and hardening. Earlier this year, President Xi met with Donald Trump in Beijing, yet tensions remain high ahead of Xi’s planned visit to the U.S. in September. The U.S. has already moved to restrict imports of Chinese drones and, more recently, new humanoid robots and power inverters, citing national security concerns.