The United States has banned imports from three Chinese genomics companies over allegations that they collected genetic material used to monitor persecuted ethnic minorities in China’s Xinjiang region.
The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said on Wednesday that BGI Genomics, MGI Tech and Shenzhen BGI Technology, collectively known as BGI Group, had been added to the Entity List under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act.
The list identifies entities accused of working with the Xinjiang government to recruit, transport or receive forced labour involving Uyghurs, Kazakhs, Kyrgyz and other persecuted groups.
The United Nations warned in 2022 of possible crimes against humanity in Xinjiang, including the detention of more than one million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities in camps.
China has repeatedly denied allegations of human rights abuses against the Uyghurs.
According to the DHS, the companies helped collect genetic material used to track persecuted ethnic minorities, including people subjected to forced labour.
However, Beijing condemned the US decision on Thursday, describing the ban as having “no factual basis”.
A spokesperson for China’s commerce ministry accused Washington of using human rights concerns as a pretext for protectionism.
“The US side continues to exploit the ‘human rights’ issue, using it as a pretext to pursue unilateral protectionism and bullying,” the spokesperson said.
China urged the US to “immediately cease its political manipulation and smear campaigns”, adding that it would take necessary measures to protect its interests.
DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin said the US would not allow companies linked to forced labour and the surveillance of persecuted minorities to profit from the American market.
BGI and MGI denied the allegations, stating that they opposed all forms of forced labour.
The move comes amid wider tensions between Washington and Beijing over technology and trade.
The Trump administration last week proposed new rules to restrict investments in Chinese biotechnology companies. Other technologies facing scrutiny include artificial intelligence and computer chips, both key areas of competition between the two countries.
