China accused Washington on Friday of improperly attacking Chinese companies after genetics analysis giant BGI Group and 17 others were hit with curbs on access to U.S. technology on security or human rights grounds.
The U.S. Commerce Department said it saw a danger that two BGI units might contribute to the government's surveillance apparatus, which human rights groups say is trying to create a database of genetic samples that Muslims and other minorities were compelled to provide.
Washington has accused China of trying to use civilian companies to obtain processor chip, aerospace and other technologies that can be used to make weapons. Beijing retorts that the U.S. government is trying to stop potential commercial competitors. Mao said Beijing would "firmly safeguard the legitimate rights" of its companies but gave no indication of possible retaliation. The government has made similar statements following previous U.S. restrictions but often takes no action.
Their genetic analysis "poses a significant risk of contributing" to surveillance and repression of minorities, the Commerce Department said. It said there was a "significant risk of diversion" to military programs.BGI previously denied accusations it provided technology to surveil Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities in China's northwest.
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