China's Ministry of Commerce announced Thursday that three U.S. companies – Saronic Technologies, Aerkomm Inc., and Oceaneering International – have been added to its unreliable entity list, citing violations of national sovereignty through military-technical cooperation with the Taiwan region. The move takes immediate effect, barring the firms from import/export activities and new investments in China.
A ministry spokesperson stated the decision followed China's Foreign Trade Law, National Security Law, and Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law. The companies were accused of undermining cross-strait stability by engaging in defense-related collaborations with Taiwan authorities despite repeated objections from Beijing.
"This action targets only those who jeopardize China's core interests," the spokesperson emphasized, while reaffirming China's commitment to maintaining "a stable, fair business environment" for compliant foreign enterprises. Analysts note the move highlights Beijing's intensified focus on safeguarding technological sovereignty amid rising U.S.-China competition.
The announcement comes as global businesses closely monitor regulatory shifts in Asia's largest economy. While the sanctions directly affect only three companies, they serve as a reminder of geopolitical risks in cross-strait engagements. The ministry stressed that foreign firms adhering to Chinese laws and market norms "have no reason for concern."
