Beijing expands trade countermeasures after latest US restrictions
BEIJING: China on Wednesday announced new restrictions on drone exports to the United States and imposed sanctions on six American companies, escalating trade tensions following Washington’s latest tariffs and sanctions linked to forced labour and national security concerns.
The Chinese Commerce Ministry said the United States had seriously undermined China’s legitimate rights and interests by introducing fresh trade measures. In response, Beijing tightened export controls on drones, key components and related technologies destined for the US market.
Additionally, Chinese authorities suspended factory follow-up inspections conducted by domestic certification bodies, blacklisted several US compliance testing companies and launched national security investigations into imported office printers and photocopiers.
The ministry also placed six US firms, including Applied DNA Sciences and Stratum Reservoir, on its sanctions list. Chinese organisations and individuals are now prohibited from conducting business, cooperation or other transactions with the designated companies. Officials accused the firms of assisting US sanctions related to Xinjiang, describing their actions as serious violations of China’s interests.
Trade dispute deepens despite previous truce
Meanwhile, China’s Vice Premier and senior trade official He Lifeng raised “serious concern” over the latest US measures during a conversation with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, according to state media.
Beijing also criticised Washington’s recent ban on imports of foreign-manufactured humanoid and quadruped robots, arguing the move aimed to suppress Chinese technology companies.
Although China and the United States agreed to ease trade tensions after President Donald Trump and President Xi Jinping met last October, recent developments have strained that understanding.
Xinjiang dispute remains central issue
The latest dispute continues to centre on Xinjiang, where the United Nations has expressed concern over alleged human rights abuses against the Uyghur Muslim minority. China has repeatedly rejected those allegations and maintains that foreign sanctions interfere in its internal affairs.
As trade restrictions continue to expand, analysts warn that relations between the world’s two largest economies could face renewed economic and diplomatic pressure in the months ahead.
