China has announced fresh sanctions on six American companies, barring them from trade and investment in the country. The decision comes even as Chinese and US officials continue high-level talks aimed at easing tensions over trade, technology, and security.
According to China’s Ministry of Commerce, the firms have been added to its “unreliable entity list.” Those targeted include Huntington Ingalls Industries, one of the largest US shipbuilders, along with Saronic Technologies, Aerkomm Inc., and Oceaneering International. The sanctions block them from imports, exports, and new investments in China. Beijing said the step was necessary due to threats posed to its national security and development interests.
The move was announced just days after Chinese and US delegations met in Madrid on September 14–15 to discuss trade and technology issues, including concerns over TikTok. On Friday, President Xi Jinping also held a phone call with US President Donald Trump, which Trump described as “very productive.” Despite this outreach, the sanctions highlight that frictions remain deep.
In a separate statement, China’s Commerce Ministry urged Washington to remove what it called “unreasonable tariffs” that it believes are the biggest barrier to stable economic ties. Ministry spokesperson He Yadong stressed that both countries need to create better conditions for cooperation.
With these sanctions, China has once again signaled that while dialogue may continue, it will not step back from measures it sees as essential to protecting its national interests.
