Introduction
In a move aimed at safeguarding U.S. national security, the Biden administration announced the addition of 43 entities to an export control list on Monday. Notable inclusions are Frontier Services Group Ltd, formerly managed by Erik Prince, and the Test Flying Academy of South Africa. These organizations have faced scrutiny for their roles in training Chinese military pilots.
Targeting Security Risks
The entities listed are now subject to U.S. export restrictions for their activities deemed counter to American interests. The move impacts Frontier Services Group’s operations in China, Kenya, Laos, and the United Arab Emirates, along with TFASA units in South Africa, China, the UAE, and the UK.
Also listed are numerous Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) entities in China and South Africa. These companies have reportedly used U.S.-origin items to bolster China’s military modernization, including hypersonic weapons development and hypersonic flight modeling.
The Concern Over Technology Transfer
Matthew Axelrod, a Commerce official, emphasized the importance of preventing China from acquiring U.S. technologies and knowledge for military programs. The updated list now includes 31 Chinese entities. Shanghai Supercomputing Technology Co Ltd found its way onto the list for offering cloud-based supercomputing capabilities to aid hypersonics research.
Broadening the Net
The update also includes nine Chinese and Pakistani companies due to their contributions to Pakistan’s ballistic missile program and other weaponry. Two other firms were added for enabling China to carry out human rights abuses, including the repression of Ugyhur Muslims and other minority groups in Xinjiang, western China.
Human Rights and National Security
Ryan Wende Science and Technology Co in Beijing and Xinjiang Kehua Hechang Biological Science and Technology Co Ltd are among the companies listed. These firms provide technology and biotech items that enable monitoring and repression within China.
Despite global condemnation and evidence of abuse, China continues to deny all accusations regarding the treatment of Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities in Xinjiang.
Entities Removed from the List
In a related development, the U.S. removed Fiber Optic Solutions, a Latvia-based company, from the Entity List. The company had been included due to its contributions to the Russian military and defense industry.
Erik Prince, the founder of the security firm Blackwater, served as vice chair of Frontier Services Group from 2014 to 2021.
With this move, the Biden administration continues its vigilance in maintaining U.S. national security and advocating for human rights on a global scale.
Original report by Karen Freifeld, Reuters
