US bans three Chinese genomics firms over forced labour

The United States has banned imports from three Chinese genomics companies over allegations that they collected genetic material used to track persecuted ethnic minorities in China’s Xinjiang region.

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced on Wednesday that BGI Genomics, MGI Tech and Shenzhen BGI Technology had been added to the Entity List under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act.

The list targets entities accused of working with Xinjiang authorities to recruit, transport or receive Uyghurs, Kazakhs, Kyrgyz and other persecuted groups for forced labour.

According to DHS, the companies helped collect genetic material used to monitor persecuted ethnic minorities, including people subjected to forced labour.

“Let companies tied to forced labor and the surveillance of persecuted minorities profit from the American market,” DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin said, describing the administration’s position.

China condemned the restrictions on Thursday, arguing that Washington had no factual basis for the decision.

A spokesperson for China’s commerce ministry accused the US of exploiting human rights concerns to pursue protectionism and economic pressure against Chinese businesses.

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Beijing urged Washington to end what it described as political manipulation and smear campaigns, adding that it would take necessary measures to protect its interests.

BGI and MGI denied the allegations, maintaining that they oppose all forms of forced labour.

The dispute comes amid longstanding international concerns over human rights abuses in Xinjiang, where Uyghurs and other predominantly Muslim minorities have faced allegations of arbitrary detention and persecution.

In 2022, the United Nations warned that serious human rights violations in the region could amount to crimes against humanity. Reports at the time highlighted the detention of more than one million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities.

China has repeatedly denied allegations of human rights abuses in the region.

The latest restrictions also come as the Trump administration intensifies scrutiny of Chinese technology companies. Last week, Washington proposed new rules aimed at restricting investments in Chinese biotechnology firms.

Other strategic industries, including artificial intelligence and semiconductor manufacturing, have also faced increased scrutiny as economic and technological competition between the two countries continues.

AFP