China has implemented its most extensive array of trade restrictions since last year’s suspension of hostilities, responding to a series of U.S. regulatory actions just weeks before President Xi Jinping is due for bilateral talks in Washington. The nation’s Ministry of Commerce outlined new sanctions targeting American businesses and tighter controls on drone-related exports.
The moves are a direct answer to the latest U.S. measures, said the Commerce Ministry, including the Federal Communications Commission’s import ban on Chinese drones and the Department of Homeland Security’s decision to block imports from 43 Chinese companies over alleged forced labor links.
The Ministry announced prohibitions on future dealings between Chinese entities and seven U.S. organizations, and restrictions on collaboration with U.S. compliance and certification agencies, which includes barring access to mandatory Chinese factory inspection processes.
Among those affected, six entities were identified for connections to sanctions related to the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, while Compliance Testing, an Arizona-based company, faced penalties for its role in implementing FCC directives against Chinese goods.
Enhanced scrutiny will now apply to the export of unmanned aerial vehicles, vital components, and associated technologies, with each transaction subject to individual approval by Chinese authorities. These drone exports are classified as dual-use—capable of serving both civilian and defense purposes.
Furthermore, Beijing announced an investigation into the security risks associated with imported office devices and printing software but did not specify which companies could be impacted.
These actions amplify ongoing friction in the U.S.-China relations that have persisted since leaders Xi and Trump agreed to a pause in trade disputes last year. President Xi is scheduled to visit Washington in September, following President Trump’s recent trip to China in May.
