BANGKOK: China announced a series of economic measures Wednesday against the United States, including controls on exports of drones to the US and a ban on dealings with six American entities, in response to recent restrictions imposed by Washington.
Tensions are simmering between the world's two biggest economies ahead of an expected visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to the US in September, despite signs of warming ties during his meetings with US President Donald Trump in Beijing in May.
The Commerce Ministry said the sanctions are in response to recent moves from the US, including a ban by the US Federal Communications Commission on imports of Chinese drones, and the Department of Homeland Security's decision to add 43 Chinese companies to the Uyghur Forced Labour Prevention Act entity list to prevent imports of goods made with forced labour.
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 in a statement.
It emphasised that China was acting with restraint and urged the US to scrap its measures against Beijing and cease its “erroneous practices.” It also warned of further sanctions if the US rolls out new restrictive measures against China.
Beijing is requiring reviews on a case-by-case basis of exports of unmanned aerial vehicles, their key components and related technologies that are on a list of export-controlled dual-use items that can serve both civilian and military purposes.
Six US 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 entities in China.
The ministry also said it was investigating the possible impact on national security of imported printing software and office equipment, but it did not name affected companies.
The State Administration for Market Regulation announced that companies in the US that conduct follow-up factory inspections on behalf of Chinese entities for CCC certification can no longer provide these certifications.
CCC certifications are meant to ensure electronic products meet a basic safety standard. The new rule will oblige US makers of certified electronics to hire auditors based outside of the US or to rely on other non-US designated bodies for such certifications.
In December, the US FCC banned the import of new Chinese drones, though it later revised that ban to allow for some models.
Last week, it also announced bans on imports of new foreign-made humanoid robots and power inverters, citing national security risks, in a move that in effect targets China.