‘Lie of the century’ - China warns US over blacklisting of biotechnology firms
Key Takeaways
- Beijing accuses Washington of using forced labour claims to restrict Chinese companies.
- The US adds BGI Genomics, MGI Tech and Shenzhen BGI Technology to its restricted entities list.
- China warns of possible countermeasures ahead of an expected November meeting between Xi Jinping and Donald Trump.
Beijing accuses Washington of using forced labour allegations to target Chinese companies, warning of countermeasures as three biotechnology firms face US import restrictions.
China has warned the United States of possible countermeasures after Washington blacklisted three Chinese biotechnology companies over allegations of involvement in forced labour and surveillance activities in Xinjiang.
Speaking at a press briefing in Beijing on Thursday, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun accused the US of using human rights concerns to restrict Chinese businesses and undermine the country's development.
"The US side continues to fabricate lies regarding Xinjiang, using the pretext of so-called forced labor to wantonly suppress Chinese enterprises. China expresses its strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition," Guo said.
His remarks followed a decision by the US Department of Homeland Security on Wednesday to add BGI Genomics, MGI Tech and Shenzhen BGI Technology, also known as BGI Group, to its blacklist.
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The additions brought the total number of listed entities to 190.
Washington accused the companies of supporting genetic testing and surveillance activities linked to alleged forced labour in China's Xinjiang region.
Guo rejected the accusations, describing them as part of efforts to damage China's reputation and restrict its economic progress.
"This so-called forced labor is nothing more than a lie of the century concocted by anti-China elements, aimed at destabilising Xinjiang, smearing China, and containing China’s development," he added.
Under US law, products manufactured by blacklisted companies cannot enter the American market unless importers demonstrate that they were produced without forced labour.
BGI Group and MGI Tech denied the allegations and maintained that their US operations represented only a small proportion of their overall business.
China's Foreign Ministry also called on Washington to stop using human rights allegations as a basis for imposing restrictions on Chinese enterprises.
"China urges the US to stop interfering in China’s internal affairs and curbing China’s development under the guise of human rights; China will take necessary measures to resolutely safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of its enterprises," he continued.
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The dispute comes amid continuing trade tensions between Beijing and Washington, ahead of an expected meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump in November.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
