China on Wednesday unveiled a series of countermeasures against the United States, targeting six American entities and tightening export controls on drone-related technologies. Beijing warned of further action if Washington continues to impose restrictions on Chinese businesses.

The measures, announced by China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM), were a direct response to what Beijing described as the United States’ continued use of unilateral sanctions, protectionist policies, and national security measures against Chinese companies.

According to MOFCOM, six US entities have been placed under Chinese countermeasures for allegedly supporting US sanctions related to China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

The entities include Applied DNA Sciences Inc., Stratum Reservoir LLC, Altana Technologies Inc., Responsible Business Alliance, Verite Group Inc., and Human Rights in China.

Under the new measures, organisations and individuals within China are prohibited from conducting transactions, cooperation, or other related activities with the listed entities.

“The US move seriously violates international law and the basic norms of international relations, and gravely undermines China’s sovereignty, security, and development interests,” the ministry stated

China also announced stricter export controls on dual-use unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technologies and related components destined for the United States. Future exports of controlled drone products and technologies will now be subject to rigorous case-by-case reviews and will no longer qualify for expedited licensing procedures.

In addition, Chinese authorities announced a national security review into imports of printing and copying office equipment. They also suspended factory follow-up inspections in China, conducted through US certification bodies under the China Compulsory Certification system.

Separately, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian criticised reports that Washington is preparing new restrictions on imports of Chinese optical transceivers, as well as additional tariffs and price controls on polysilicon and related products.

“China firmly opposes the US overstretching the concept of national security, and abusing state power to go after Chinese businesses,” Lin told reporters.

He warned that protectionist measures would ultimately harm both economies.

“Protectionism will not make the US more competitive,” Lin asserted, adding that the restrictions “seriously disrupt normal trade and economic exchanges between Chinese and US businesses” and are not in the interests of businesses or consumers in either country.

Lin reiterated that China would continue to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of its companies.

“China will continue firmly protecting our businesses’ legitimate and lawful rights and interests,” he said.

MOFCOM described Beijing’s latest actions as measured and lawful responses to US restrictions and urged Washington to reverse what it termed erroneous policies.

The ministry called on the United States to “stop its wrongdoings” and return to resolving differences through consultation and cooperation to maintain stable bilateral relations.

Chinese officials also warned that additional countermeasures would follow should the United States introduce further restrictions targeting Chinese companies or products.