US Sanctions Six Companies over Balloon Issue

The United States (US) added six Chinese aerospace companies to its sanctions lists – these companies now appear on the ITA Consolidated Screening List as denied entities. The six Chinese companies are listed in the Federal Register:

• Beijing Nanjiang Aerospace Technology Co., Ltd.
• China Electronics Technology Group Corporation 48th Research Institute
• Dongguan Lingkong Remote Sensing Technology Co., Ltd.
• Eagles Men Aviation Science and Technology Group Co., Ltd.
• Guangzhou Tian-Hai-Xiang Aviation Technology Co., Ltd.
• Shanxi Eagles Men Aviation Science and Technology Group Co., Ltd.

The US Government explained that these six businesses were sanctioned for their support to China’s military modernization efforts, specifically the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) aerospace programs including airships and balloons and related materials and components. The same US Government notice explains that the PLA is using High Altitude Balloons for intelligence and reconnaissance activities.

Persons subject to US export regulation are forbidden from exporting to a denied party except where a US government export license or other provision of US law specifically permits the transaction