China has announced new restrictions on drone exports to the United States and placed six American companies on a blacklist in response to recent trade and technology sanctions imposed by Washington. These actions, announced by Beijing’s Ministry of Commerce on August 5, mark a continuation of escalating tensions between the two economic powers ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s planned visit to the US later this month.
China’s tightened controls will subject exports of drones, their key components, and related technologies to case-by-case review before shipment to the US. The ministry also suspended follow-up inspections by Chinese certification bodies on certain factories and launched national security investigations into imports of office printers and copiers. Six US firms, including Applied DNA Sciences and Stratum Reservoir, were blacklisted for allegedly supporting what Beijing described as "illegal US sanctions" related to the Xinjiang region. Beijing barred Chinese entities and individuals from conducting transactions or cooperation with these companies.
The measures were framed by Chinese officials as necessary counteractions against US policies that they say harm China’s legitimate rights and interests. The ministry specifically criticized the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for restricting Chinese technology imports on supposed national security grounds, citing a recent ban on certain drone and telecommunications equipment models. China accused the US of attempting to suppress Chinese businesses amid a broader dispute over human rights concerns in Xinjiang and national security.
The US has recently imposed tariffs and trade restrictions targeting Chinese companies, including a ban on imports connected to forced labor allegations in Xinjiang, which Beijing denies. Last week, Washington added 43 Chinese companies to its banned list under these forced labor rules and barred imports of certain robotic products. Some of these measures follow a US Supreme Court ruling that invalidated previous reciprocal tariffs and led the Biden administration to impose temporary tariffs capped at 10% for 150 days, which expired recently.
Relations had shown signs of easing following the October 2025 meeting between President Xi and former US President Donald Trump in South Korea, which established a tentative trade truce. However, the renewed escalation underscores unresolved disagreements on trade, technology, and human rights issues. China, which plays a dominant role in the global drone supply chain through companies like DJI, Autel Robotics, and XAG, has maintained restrictions on drone exports since 2023 after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine further complicated the market.
Ahead of Xi’s visit to Washington scheduled for September 24, both sides appear to be reinforcing their respective policies and preparing for challenging discussions on the future of bilateral economic and technological ties. Chinese officials have also voiced aspirations to compete with the US as a leader in artificial intelligence, providing training support to developing countries, signaling ambitions beyond trade confrontations. Shares in some Chinese AI-related firms declined amid speculation about potential US export bans on their products.
The latest Chinese countermeasures illustrate the complex and ongoing friction in Sino-American relations, as both governments maneuver over trade regulations, national security, and geopolitical influence.