China announced sweeping economic countermeasures against the United States on Wednesday, imposing strict controls on drone exports and banning six American companies from conducting business with Chinese entities in direct retaliation for Washington’s recent trade restrictions.

Beijing’s Response to American Sanctions

The Chinese Commerce Ministry unveiled the sanctions following several U.S. actions, including a Federal Communications Commission ban on Chinese drone imports and the Department of Homeland Security’s addition of 43 Chinese companies to the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act entity list. Beijing characterized these American measures as violations of agreements reached between the two nations’ leaders and warned of additional countermeasures if Washington continues its restrictive policies.

The ministry stated China acted with restraint but had no choice except to respond with necessary countermeasures. Officials urged the United States to reverse its sanctions against Chinese entities and halt what Beijing called erroneous practices targeting Chinese businesses.

Specific Restrictions and Targeted Companies

Under the new regulations, China will review drone exports on a case-by-case basis, covering unmanned aerial vehicles, critical components, and related technologies classified as dual-use items serving both civilian and military purposes. Six American entities face complete bans on trade activities with Chinese companies, including Applied DNA Sciences and the nongovernmental organization Human Rights in China.

China also prohibited Compliance Testing LLC from operating in the country, accusing the firm of working with the FCC to harm Chinese sovereignty and security. The Commerce Ministry announced investigations into potential national security impacts of imported printing software and office equipment, though specific companies were not identified in the statement.

Certification Rules Create New Barriers

The State Administration for Market Regulation implemented changes preventing American companies from conducting factory inspections for Chinese product certifications. U.S. manufacturers seeking CCC safety certifications for electronic products must now hire auditors based outside America or use non-American designated certification bodies, creating additional compliance burdens for American businesses operating in Chinese markets.

Rising Tensions Before Presidential Visit

The economic clash comes ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s expected September visit to the United States, despite apparent warming relations during his May meetings with President Donald Trump in Beijing. The escalating trade tensions between the world’s two largest economies threaten to undermine diplomatic progress. Last week, the FCC announced bans on foreign-made humanoid robots and power inverters, citing national security concerns in measures effectively targeting Chinese manufacturers.