US Bans 29 More Chinese Companies Over Uyghur Forced Labor.
The United States has added 29 more Chinese companies to its blacklist over their alleged use of Uyghur forced labor, bringing the total number of companies banned from exporting to the U.S. to over 100. This move marks the largest single blacklisting since the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act was enacted in 2021.
The Department of Homeland Security announced the new sanctions on Friday, targeting firms involved in producing agricultural, aluminum, and polysilicon products, as well as mining copper, gold, and nickel. The U.S. claims these companies are collaborating with the Xinjiang government to forcibly recruit and transfer Uyghur workers.
Washington accuses China of committing genocide against the predominantly Muslim Uyghur ethnic minority in Xinjiang, including through forced labor. Chinese officials deny these accusations, stating that Uyghurs are receiving vocational training instead.
Despite Beijing’s denial, the U.S. has maintained pressure through the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, which allows for the banning of any company believed to be using slave labor. The recent blacklisting comes as part of a broader investigation by the bipartisan House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, examining U.S. venture capital investments in companies linked to Uyghur forced labor and “genocide.”
In a statement, U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai emphasized that this action underscores Washington’s commitment to keeping goods made with forced labor out of American markets.
Rishat Abbas, chairman of the Uyghur Academy, praised the move, calling it a crucial step in combating forced labor in Chinese supply chains. He noted that restricting goods from over 100 Chinese companies tied to Uyghur exploitation sends a powerful message to Beijing.
Abbas also suggested that the growing international pressure could eventually force China to reconsider its policies of repression against the Uyghur population.
