The United States has banned imports from three Chinese genomics companies over allegations that they helped collect genetic material used to track persecuted ethnic minorities in China’s Xinjiang region, escalating tensions between Washington and Beijing over human rights and biotechnology.

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said BGI Genomics, MGI Tech and Shenzhen BGI Technology, also known collectively as BGI Group, had been added to the Entity List under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act.

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The list targets entities identified as working with Xinjiang authorities to recruit, transport, transfer, harbour or receive forced labour involving Uyghurs, Kazakhs, Kyrgyz people and other persecuted groups from the region.

According to the DHS, the companies helped collect genetic material used to track persecuted ethnic minorities, including people subjected to forced labour.

DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin said the United States would not allow companies linked to forced labour and the surveillance of persecuted minorities to profit from the American market.

Beijing strongly rejected Washington’s decision, arguing that the restrictions were politically motivated and lacked a factual basis.

A Chinese commerce ministry spokesperson said on Thursday that China “strongly condemns” the ban, accusing the United States of using human rights concerns as a pretext for unilateral protectionism.

“The US side continues to exploit the ‘human rights’ issue, using it as a pretext to pursue unilateral protectionism and bullying,” the spokesperson said.

China also urged Washington to stop what it described as political manipulation and smear campaigns, adding that it would take necessary measures to safeguard its interests.

BGI Genomics and MGI Tech denied the allegations and said they opposed all forms of forced labour.

The dispute comes amid longstanding international concern over the treatment of Uyghurs and other predominantly Muslim ethnic minorities in Xinjiang.

In 2022, the United Nations human rights office said serious human rights violations had been committed in the region and warned that the extent of arbitrary and discriminatory detention could constitute international crimes, particularly crimes against humanity.

China has repeatedly denied allegations of human rights abuses in Xinjiang, maintaining that its policies in the region are aimed at combating terrorism and promoting development.

The latest US action places renewed attention on the intersection of genetic technology, surveillance and human rights, particularly where sensitive biological data could be used to monitor vulnerable populations.

The import restrictions also come as Washington intensifies scrutiny of Chinese technology companies.

The Trump administration proposed new rules last week aimed at restricting investment in Chinese biotechnology businesses.

Artificial intelligence and computer chips have already been major areas of competition between the two countries, and biotechnology is increasingly part of their broader economic and national security rivalry.

The latest measures could add pressure to an already strained relationship, with implications for trade, scientific cooperation and the international biotechnology industry.

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The allegations against the three companies remain disputed, with US authorities citing concerns about genetic data collection and forced labour, while the companies and the Chinese government reject the accusations.