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The United States has added BGI Group, BGI and BGI to the UFLPA Entity List, accusing them of engaging in forced labor in Xinjiang and banning the import of related products; All three companies and China have denied the allegations.
The United States announced on the 28th that it would ban the import of products from three Chinese genetic companies, BGI Group, BGI and BGI, saying that related companies were suspectedXinjiang Participate in forced labour. BGI Group denied the allegation and said it expected the listing would not have a major impact on its operations; The Chinese Embassy in the United States urged the United States to stop attacking and defaming Chinese companies.
According to Reuters, the United StatesDepartment of Homeland Security It reported that the three companies were suspected of participating in forced labor against Uighurs and other ethnic minorities in Xinjiang. Included in the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) Entity List. The ministry reported that BGI Group and BGI conduct genetic testing in Xinjiang and cooperate with the local government to assist in recruiting, transporting, transferring or receiving forced laborers; MGI provides genetic testing equipment and related support to local government.
The US government believes that the genetic samples tested by BGI came not only from Xinjiang residents, but also from local animals and plants. China’s Ministry of Homeland Security also said the companies helped operate a massive surveillance system that used genetic data and other information to support widespread repression, including labor programs and detention measures.
BGI Group issued a statement saying that the group has never participated in forced labor and respects internationally recognized principles of human rights and labor standards. The group said it has limited business in the United States, and the listing is not expected to have a significant impact on its operations. MGI, headquartered in Shenzhen, also issued a statement saying the US allegations were inconsistent with the facts, stressing that it has a zero-tolerance attitude towards any form of forced labour.
The Chinese Embassy in the United States pointed out that the US viewpoint lacks factual basis, urged the US government to stop attacking and defaming Chinese companies, and said it would take necessary measures to protect the interests of Chinese companies.
The UFLPA was signed by former US President Biden in 2021 and aims to prevent forced labor products involving Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities in China from entering the US market and hold entities involved in these acts accountable. Beijing denied the allegations; With the inclusion of three companies in the list, the total number of listed entities has increased to 190. The affected commodities include cotton, canned tomatoes, electronic products and appliances etc.
Summary FAQ
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The U.S. Department of Homeland Security accused BGI Group, BGI, and BGI of engaging in forced labor against Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities in Xinjiang. Therefore, they were included in the Entity List and import was restricted as per the UFLPA.
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The United States claims that BGI Group and BGI conduct genetic testing in Xinjiang and cooperate with local governments to recruit, transport, or obtain forced labor; BGI is charged with providing testing equipment and related support.
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BGI Group said in a statement that it denied engaging in forced labor and said that its business in the United States was limited and the impact was not expected to be significant; BGI also said that the allegation is false. The Chinese Embassy in the United States demanded that the United States stop attacking and defaming Chinese companies.
