China claims the hot air balloon is a “civilian airship used for research purposes, mainly meteorology.”
Washington:
The US Commerce Department said on Friday that it had blacklisted six Chinese entities for supporting Beijing’s military modernization efforts, specifically related to its aviation programs. The universe includes airships and airships.
The move comes a day after US lawmakers unanimously condemned China’s use of a spy balloon over North America last week.
The balloon’s multi-day flight from Alaska to South Carolina caught the attention of American regulars and officials, before the US military shot it down off the east coast of the country. on Saturday.
Companies added to the so-called Restricted Entity List obtain US goods and technology without government permission.
“The (People’s Republic of China) use of high-altitude hot air balloons violates our sovereignty and threatens the national security of the United States,” said Deputy Secretary of Commerce, Industry and Security Alan Estevez. in a statement on Friday.
“Today’s action makes it clear that entities seeking to compromise the national security and sovereignty of the United States will be cut off from access to U.S. technologies,” he added.
The six companies include Beijing Nanjiang Aerospace Technology Co; China Electronic Technology Group 48th Research Institute; and Dongguan Lingkong Remote Sensing Technology Co.
The remaining three companies are Eagles Men Aviation Science and Technology Group Co., Ltd; Guangzhou Tian-Hai-Xiang Aviation Technology Co., Ltd; together with Shanxi Eagles Men Aviation Science and Technology Group Co.
In a document, the Ministry of Commerce said the Chinese military was using the high-altitude balloon “for intelligence and reconnaissance activities”, adding that it was contrary to national security and interests. foreign policy of the United States.
China claims the hot air balloon is a “civilian airship used for research purposes, mainly meteorology.”
But a State Department official said the United States believes the balloon is under the control of China’s People’s Liberation Army and is part of a fleet that China has sent to more than 40 countries on five continents. records to gather intelligence.
Friday’s action represents concerted efforts to identify and prevent China’s use of surveillance balloons, which “have violated the airspace of the United States and more than 40 countries,” the Assistant Secretary said. Trade Head of Export Enforcement Matthew Axelrod said.
“Export enforcement will carefully monitor and intercept shipments to the listed parties and investigate any attempts to circumvent these restrictions,” he said.
(Except for the title, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from an aggregated feed.)
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