The United States has placed BGI Genomics, a leading Chinese genetics company, and two of its affiliates on a blacklist related to forced labor involving the Uyghur population. This marks a significant escalation in U.S. pressure on China's bioindustry.
On October 28, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced that BGI Genomics, along with the genetic analysis equipment manufacturer MGI Tech and Shenzhen BGI Technology, has been added to the list of entities subject to sanctions under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA), according to Reuters.
BGI Genomics is a prominent company in the field of genomic analysis, which refers to the complete set of genetic information possessed by an organism. In humans, this encompasses all genetic information contained in DNA. Genomic analysis involves decoding DNA information to identify the causes of diseases and genetic traits, and it is utilized in cancer diagnosis, rare disease testing, precision medicine, and drug development. BGI Genomics provides genetic testing and genomic analysis services, while its affiliate MGI Tech develops and supplies DNA sequencing equipment.
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) can block imports from these companies unless it is proven that their products were not produced using forced labor. This could render sales and distribution of their products in the U.S. impossible, prompting local customers and partners to reconsider contracts and transactions due to supply chain risks. However, BGI Genomics has stated that its business in the U.S. is limited and does not expect this designation to have a significant impact on its overall operations.
The U.S. government claims that BGI Genomics and its affiliates have conducted genetic testing in the Xinjiang region and supported the local government's recruitment and transfer of forced labor. In contrast, BGI Genomics has denied these allegations, asserting that they do not condone forced labor in any form. The Chinese Embassy in the U.S. has also urged the U.S. to retract its actions, claiming that the forced labor issue is being used to suppress Chinese companies.
Earlier, in June, the U.S. Department of Defense added WuXi AppTec, China's leading contract research organization (CRO), to its blacklist, alleging ties to the Chinese military. WuXi AppTec provides research and development services related to new drug candidates for global pharmaceutical companies and is considered a key player in supporting the growth of China's bioindustry. WuXi AppTec has denied any military connections and has filed a lawsuit, with a U.S. court issuing a preliminary injunction in August to prevent the enforcement of this designation.
Separately, the U.S. Congress is working on legislation to establish the BioSecure Act, which is also seen as part of efforts to reduce dependence on Chinese bio companies.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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