U.S. Expands Ban on Chinese Imports Over Uyghur Rights Abuses

The United States has expanded its ban on imports from five additional Chinese companies due to alleged human rights abuses involving the Uyghurs. These companies are part of an effort to eliminate forced labor products from the U.S. supply chain. China denies the claims, calling them politically motivated.

The United States on Thursday expanded its ban on imports from five additional Chinese companies, citing alleged human rights abuses against the Uyghur population. This move is part of a larger effort to eliminate forced labor products from the U.S. supply chain.

The companies, including Hong Kong-based Rare Earth Magnesium Technology Group Holdings and its parent, Century Sunshine Group Holdings, manufacture magnesium fertilizer and magnesium alloy products. Zijin Mining Group Co subsidiary Xinjiang Habahe Ashele Copper Co, which mines nonferrous metals, is also on the list.

The companies were added to the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act Entity List, which aims to address what the U.S. government refers to as an ongoing genocide of minority groups in China's Xinjiang region. The list now names over 70 entities linked to products such as cotton apparel, automotive parts, vinyl flooring, and solar panels.

U.S. officials claim that Chinese authorities have established labor camps for the Uyghurs and other Muslim minority groups in Xinjiang, although Beijing firmly denies the accusations. A spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Washington called the allegations an 'egregious lie' and a tool for U.S. politicians aiming to destabilize Xinjiang and contain China's development. China maintains it will safeguard the legitimate and lawful rights of its companies.

(With inputs from agencies.)