5 publishers · first seen Wed, 28 Oct 2026 22:41 UTC · updated Thu, 29 Oct 2026 08:48 UTC
The United States banned imports from three Chinese genomics companies—BGI Genomics, MGI Tech and Shenzhen BGI Technology, also known as BGI Group—over claims they helped collect genetic material to track persecuted ethnic minorities in Xinjiang. The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) added the firms to the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act Entity List, stating they were involved in activities linked to forced labor. DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin said the US would not allow companies tied to forced labor or surveillance of minorities to profit from the American market.
China strongly condemned the ban, calling it baseless and accusing the US of using human rights as a pretext for protectionism and political manipulation. A commerce ministry spokesperson said Beijing would take necessary measures to protect its interests. BGI and MGI denied the allegations, stating their opposition to all forms of forced labour. The Trump administration recently proposed rules to limit investment in Chinese biotechnology firms, part of broader scrutiny of sectors like artificial intelligence and computer chips in US-China economic competition.
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