The U.S. added 28 Chinese security companies to a U.S. blacklist yesterday.
The U.S. did this after determining that the 28 companies were directly responsible for human rights violations against Muslim minorities and other ethnic groups in China.
In a statement by the U.S. Commerce Department, the U.S. determined that technology from the blacklisted companies is being used in the “Implementation of China’s campaign of repression, mass arbitrary detention, and high-technology surveillance” against these minorities.
Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross stated that “The U.S. Government and Department of Commerce cannot and will not tolerate the brutal suppression of ethnic minorities within China. This action will ensure that our technologies, fostered in an environment of individual liberty and free enterprise, are not used to repress defenseless minority populations.”
Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang responded by saying, “We urge the U.S. side to immediately correct its mistake, withdraw the relevant decision and stop interfering in China’s internal affairs. China will continue to take firm and forceful measures to resolutely safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests”.
Over 1 million Muslims are currently being held captive for no reason in detention centers in China and technology from the 28 companies is being used to keep them locked up and under constant surveillance.
