Chinese companies hit with US trade restrictions over ‘spy balloon’ incident
- Other entities were added to the list for allegedly trying to obtain US quantum technology for China, or for seeking US parts for military drones
- The move shows Washington is continuing to punish Beijing over the balloon, which drifted over the US in early 2023
The Biden administration added 37 Chinese entities to a trade restriction list on Thursday, including some for allegedly supporting the “spy balloon” that flew over the United States last year, heightening tensions between Beijing and Washington.
The US Commerce Department also said it was adding some units of China Electronics Technology Group to the list for allegedly trying to obtain American technology to support China’s quantum technology capabilities, “which has serious ramifications for US national security” due to their military applications.
Media have said state-owned China Electronics Technology Group is a top military equipment supplier.
China Electronics Technology Group could not immediately be reached for comment. The Chinese embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The moves announced on Thursday show the Biden administration is continuing to punish Beijing over the balloon, which drifted over the United States in February 2023, fueling political outrage in Washington and prompting State Department Secretary Antony Blinken to cancel a trip to China.