BIS Adds Chinese Nuclear, Aviation, Quantum Entities to Blacklist

The Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security added 37 entities – mostly based in China – to the Entity List under the Export Administration Regulations.  BIS said the action, announced Thursday, reflects the Administration’s commitment to safeguarding US national security and foreign policy interests.

Among the new entities added to the Entity List, 22 institutes and firms were added for their participation in the People’s Republic of China’s quantum technology advancements and for acquiring or attempting to acquire US-origin items to enhance the PRC’s quantum capabilities.

These activities have substantial military applications and pose a significant threat to US national security, according to BIS. Additionally, some of these entities are linked to advancements in the PRC’s nuclear programs or have been involved in the shipment of controlled items to Russia following its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Four entities were added for acquiring or attempting to acquire US-origin items to be used by the PRC’s military for its unmanned aerial systems.

National Security Concerns

Eleven entities were added under the destination of PRC for their involvement in China's High Altitude Balloon program, which poses significant national security concerns. This builds on previous actions the Commerce Department took in February 2023 to target PRC aerospace programs, including airships, balloons and related materials.

“Today’s action is another decisive step in addressing challenges posed by the People’s Republic of China and its military modernization,” said Undersecretary of Commerce for Industry and Security Alan Estevez. “We must remain vigilant in our efforts to prevent entities such as these from accessing US technologies that could be used in ways that harm our national security.”

The action also reflects the efforts of the Disruptive Technology Strike Force, which is co-led by BIS and the Department of Justice, to target illicit actors, strengthen supply chains and protect critical technological assets from being acquired or used by nation-state adversaries. The Strike Force leverages the export control enforcement and regulatory authorities of the US government to prevent and disrupt the acquisition of advanced technologies, such as quantum computing, for destabilizing military capabilities.

Additions of Entities to the Entity List