New Delhi: The US has put several Chinese and Pakistani companies in its entity list to ensure that sensitive technologies do not fall into the hands of those who would threaten its national security.  The country placed 12 foreign companies in the list on Monday, including four entities with location both in China and Hongkong, two Chinese companies, one from Pakistan and five Emirati persons.

The four new entities located in both China and Hong Kong attempted to procure US-origin commodities that would have supported Iran's weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and military programmes, in violation of US export controls, a press release about the same said.

Organisations or persons who violate these rules - as defined under the Export Administration Regulations – are subject to criminal penalties and administrative sanctions.

The Trump Administration will vigorously defend against any action which could harm American citizens or our nation’s security. We are putting individuals, businesses, and organizations across the world on notice that they will be held accountable for supporting Iran’s WMD activities and other illicit schemes,” said Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross.

“Moreover, we cannot allow China’s civil-military integration strategy to undermine U.S. national security through prohibited technology transfer plots orchestrated by state actors. This designation complements criminal actions BIS and the Department of Justice are taking to penalize the theft of controlled U.S. technology.”

The four new entities located in both China and Hong Kong attempted to procure U.S.-origin commodities that would have supported Iran’s weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and military programs, in violation of U.S. export controls. Separately, four Emirati persons are included for obtaining U.S.-origin items for an existing entity list member without a license and for a denied party, Mahan Air, which is currently subject to a temporary denial order.

Two other Chinese entities participated in the prohibited export of controlled technology, which was then supplied to organizations affiliated with the People’s Liberation Army. Additionally, one Pakistani company is included on the update for procuring controlled technology on behalf of that country’s unsafeguarded nuclear activities. Another person in the UAE refused to support a BIS end-use check, which is cause for admission to the Entity List.

The Bureau of Industry and Security’s mission is to advance U.S. national security, foreign policy, and economic objectives by ensuring an effective export control and treaty compliance system and promoting continued U.S. strategic technology leadership. BIS is committed to preventing U.S.-origin items from supporting WMD projects or destabilizing military modernization programs.