US sanctions 25 more Chinese entities, including firm that touted its technology could help Russia monitor Ukraine’s submarines and frogmen

Marine technology company Highlander has confirmed that it is among the latest group of Chinese entities added to the US trade blacklist

The US Commerce Department earlier alleged that Highlander acquired US-origin items for use in military applications, which made it a national security threat

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Beijing Highlander Digital Technology Co primarily designs and develops electronic navigation and communications equipment for the marine industry, as well as maritime electronic surveillance systems. Photo: Handout

Published: 1:00am, 30 Jun 2022Updated: 2:26am, 30 Jun 2022

A Chinese marine technology company, which said in February that its technology could help Russia monitor submarines and frogmen defending Ukraine’s coastal cities, was among the latest batch of 25 mainland entities that the US government has added to its trade blacklist.

Beijing Highlander Digital Technology Co has confirmed that it was added to Washington’s Entity List, following the US Department of Commerce’s earlier announcement that the firm allegedly acquired US-origin items for use in military applications, which made it a national security threat, according to a report on Wednesday in a social media channel run by local media outlet Zhejiang Daily.

Highlander is primarily engaged in the research, development and production of electronic navigation and communications equipment, and automation systems for the marine industry, as well as maritime electronic surveillance systems. Its Hong Kong-based subsidiary, Laurel Technologies Co, is one of China’s leading suppliers of hydrographic survey and ocean mapping instruments and services.

The Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) said on Tuesday that it added a total of 36 entities to the country’s trade blacklist. These include companies and individuals from China, Lithuania, Pakistan, Russia, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, the UK, Uzbekistan and Vietnam.

Shenzhen-listed Highlander said that it may issue a statement detailing the possible impact of US sanctions on its business, according to the report.

Beijing Highlander Digital Technology Co’s large office and manufacturing complex in the Chinese capital. Photo: Handout

The company did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Its shares in Shenzhen closed down 6 per cent to 12.70 yuan (US$1.89) on Wednesday.

US sanctions 25 more Chinese entities, including firm that touted its technology could help Russia monitor Ukraine’s submarines and frogmen

Marine technology company Highlander has confirmed that it is among the latest group of Chinese entities added to the US trade blacklist The US Commerce Department earlier alleged that Highlander acquired US-origin items for use in military applications, which made it a national security threat

Marine technology company Highlander has confirmed that it is among the latest group of Chinese entities added to the US trade blacklist

The US Commerce Department earlier alleged that Highlander acquired US-origin items for use in military applications, which made it a national security threat