China on Wednesday announced a series of economic measures against the United States, including controls on drone exports to the US and a ban on transactions with six American organizations, in response to recent restrictions by Washington.
Tensions remain between the world’s two largest economies ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s planned visit to the United States in September. This comes despite signs of rapprochement observed during his meetings with then-US President Donald Trump in Beijing in May.
The Chinese Ministry of Commerce stated that the sanctions were a response to recent US measures. These include the US Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) ban on the import of Chinese drones, as well as the US Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) decision to add 43 Chinese companies to the list of entities subject to the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, aimed at preventing the import of goods made with forced labor.
“These ‘measures’ seriously violate the important consensus reached by the leaders of both countries and seriously harm China’s legitimate rights and interests. China has no choice but to take necessary countermeasures,” the ministry’s statement said.
Beijing emphasized that it acted with restraint and called on the United States to cancel its measures against China and stop its “erroneous practices.” It also warned of further sanctions if Washington imposes new restrictive measures against China.
Details of China’s countermeasures
Beijing will require individual permits for the export of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), their key components, and related technologies. These are dual-use items on the export control list that can be used for both civilian and military purposes.
Six US organizations, including Applied DNA Sciences, Inc. and the non-governmental group Human Rights in China, are prohibited from conducting trade or other transactions with organizations in China.
The ministry also reported that it is investigating the potential impact on national security of imported printing and office equipment software but did not name the companies involved.
The State Administration for Market Regulation announced that US companies conducting further inspections at factories on behalf of Chinese entities for CCC certification (certification aimed at ensuring electronic products meet basic safety standards) will no longer be able to issue these certificates. The new rule will force US manufacturers of certified electronic products to hire auditors based outside the US or turn to other non-US authorized bodies for such certifications.
Previous US restrictions
The US Federal Communications Commission banned the import of new Chinese drones in December, although it later revised this decision, allowing the import of some models.
Last week, the US also announced a ban on the import of new humanoid robots and power converters manufactured abroad, citing national security risks. This decision is effectively aimed at China.
Source: Clarín
