US imposes sanctions against China over abuse of Uygurs

It is targeting China’s Academy of Military Medical Sciences and its 11 research institutes that focus on using biotechnology to support the Chinese military

The Treasury Department is also set to issue penalties against several Chinese entities

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United States is imposing sanctions on Chinese companies that use technology to repress China’s Muslim minority groups. Photo: AP

Published: 11:20pm, 16 Dec 2021Updated: 12:14am, 17 Dec 2021

The Biden administration said on Thursday it is imposing new sanctions on several Chinese biotech and surveillance companies and government entities for actions in Xinjiang province, the latest step against Beijing over human rights abuses of Uygur Muslims in the country’s Western region.

The Commerce Department is targeting China’s Academy of Military Medical Sciences and its 11 research institutes that focus on using biotechnology to support the Chinese military.

The move will bar American companies from selling components to the entities without a licence.

“The scientific pursuit of biotechnology and medical innovation can save lives. Unfortunately, the PRC (People’s Republic of China) is choosing to use these technologies to pursue control over its people and its repression of members of ethnic and religious minority groups,” Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said in a statement.

Surveillance cameras behind women in China’s Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. Photo: Getty Images

“We cannot allow US commodities, technologies, and software that support medical science and bio-technical innovation to be diverted toward uses contrary to US national security.”