US Commerce Department Blacklists Six Chinese Entities in Response to Suspected Chinese Spy Balloon

The United States has taken action against six Chinese entities in response to a suspected Chinese spy balloon that flew over US airspace last week.

The US Commerce Department has blacklisted the five companies and one research institute, which are linked to Beijing’s aerospace programs, from obtaining US technology without government authorization.

The move is part of the Biden administration’s efforts to address Chinese surveillance activities and follows the balloon’s flight over the US. US fighter jets shot down the balloon, which American officials have since claimed is part of an extensive surveillance program run by the Chinese military.

The six companies are said to support the Chinese government’s “modernization efforts, specifically those related to aerospace programs, including airships and balloons and related materials and components, that are used by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) for intelligence and reconnaissance.”

The US Commerce Department’s action will make it more difficult for the companies to obtain American technology exports. The US government has also urged other countries to take similar measures against the companies.

The US government’s response to the Chinese spy balloon is part of a broader effort to address Chinese surveillance activities. It remains to be seen what other measures the Biden administration will take in the coming weeks and months.