How China Responded to the US for Keeping Its Humanoid Robots Out of America
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China US Sanctions: Beijing retaliates against Washington with export controls, entity bans and security probes as trade tensions intensify further.
By Pranjal Gupta
New Delhi, August 5: China on Wednesday announced a series of unfriendly measures against the United States in retaliation for multiple sanctions imposed by Washington earlier. Among the many tit-for-tat measures is a ban on six American entities, following the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC)'s ban last month on imports of new humanoid and quadruped robots, which are largely made in China, as well as power inverters.
The US FCC had already banned the import of new Chinese drone models and critical equipment made by foreign manufacturers, including those from China, in December, citing national security concerns, although it later revised the ban to allow some models. China, which is the world's largest drone manufacturer, has tightened export controls on such products in recent years.
Not only that, Beijing has also launched an investigation into imported printing software and office equipment from a national security perspective, while suspending factory inspection collaboration with US-based companies involved in CCC (China Compulsory Certification) certification.
China also did not shy away from admitting that these measures were taken in response to what it called the US' "erroneous practices." The Commerce Ministry said, "China has no choice but to take necessary countermeasures in response."
It said the sanctions are in response to recent moves by the US, including the FCC's restrictions 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 allegedly made with forced labour.
India is also being taxed at 10% over allegations related to 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," the ministry said in a statement.
As part of the measures, China banned six US entities, including Applied DNA Sciences Inc. and the non-governmental organisation Human Rights in China, from engaging in trade or other activities with Chinese entities.
A Warning
It also warned of further sanctions if the US rolls out new restrictive measures against China, while urging Washington to end what it called its "erroneous practices."
This also comes at a crucial time as Chinese President Xi Jinping is scheduled to visit the US next month for a meeting with US President Donald Trump. In May, Trump had visited China, raising hopes that relations between the world's two largest economies were beginning to improve.
China has also tightened export controls on drones, their key components and related technologies to the US by requiring case-by-case reviews for exports of items that can serve both civilian and military purposes.
(With Inputs from AP)
