China Announces Countermeasures Against US, Including Drone Export Curbs

China announced a series of economic measures Wednesday against the United States, including controls on drone exports 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. The Commerce Ministry said the sanctions are in response to recent moves from the U.S., including a ban by the U.S. 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 Labor Prevention Act entity list to prevent imports of goods made with forced labor. The ministry said in a statement that 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." 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 U.S. 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 banned a company called Compliance Testing LLC from engaging in business in China because it had worked with the FCC in "harming China’s sovereignty and security," according to a separate statement. 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 U.S. 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 U.S. makers of certified electronics to hire auditors based outside of the U.S. or to rely on other non-U. S. designated bodies for such certifications. In December, the U.S. 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.