China restricts drone exports and sanctions six US entities in response to US trade curbs

China's Ministry of Commerce said on Wednesday, 5 August 2026 (14 Mordad 1405), that exports of drones, core components and related dual use technologies to the United States will now be reviewed on a case by case basis. Beijing simultaneously sanctioned six US entities, including Applied DNA Sciences and Human Rights in China, barring them from trade with Chinese individuals and entities. According to Arzdigital, the moves are a response to recent US restrictions, including a Federal Communications Commission ban on imports of new Chinese drones, the addition of 43 Chinese companies to a Uyghur forced labor sanctions list, and new curbs on imports of foreign made humanoid robots and power inverters. The tensions have escalated ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping's expected visit to the United States in September.