China on Wednesday announced a series of economic countermeasures against the United States, including tighter export controls on drones, sanctions on six American entities and new restrictions affecting U.S. companies, in response to recent trade and technology actions by Washington.
The measures come as tensions continue between the world’s two largest economies ahead of an expected visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to the United States in September, despite signs of improving relations following his meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Beijing in May.
China’s Ministry of Commerce said the latest actions were prompted by recent U.S. restrictions, including the Federal Communications Commission’s ban on imports of certain Chinese drones and the addition of 43 Chinese companies to the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act entity list.
According to the ministry, the U.S. actions violated agreements reached by both leaders and harmed China’s legitimate interests, leaving Beijing with “no choice” but to respond. It urged Washington to withdraw the restrictions and warned that further countermeasures could follow if additional sanctions are imposed.
Key Measures Announced by China
- Export controls on drones, key components and related technologies destined for the United States, with approvals to be reviewed individually.
- Sanctions against six U.S. entities, including Applied DNA Sciences Inc. and the non-governmental organisation Human Rights in China, prohibiting them from conducting business with Chinese entities.
- A national security review of imported printing software and office equipment.
- Restrictions preventing U.S. based inspection companies from conducting factory audits for China Compulsory Certification (CCC) products.
The certification changes mean American manufacturers of certified electronic products may need to use inspection bodies located outside the United States to maintain access to the Chinese market.
The latest measures follow a series of U.S. technology restrictions introduced in recent months. In December, the FCC restricted imports of new Chinese drones before later allowing limited exemptions. Last week, it also announced new bans on imports of certain foreign made humanoid robots and power inverters, measures widely viewed as targeting Chinese manufacturers.
Analysts said the latest exchange highlights the growing technology rivalry between Washington and Beijing, with both governments increasingly using trade controls and national security measures as strategic tools in their broader competition.
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