Washington: The United States has added 80 entities from China, the United Arab Emirates, Iran, and other countries to its trade blacklist, aiming to curb China’s artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced computing capabilities, the US Commerce Department announced on Tuesday.

The move restricts these entities from acquiring US technology and products without special government authorization. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick stated that the US would not allow adversaries to exploit American technology to strengthen their militaries and pose threats to US national security.

Among the blacklisted firms, 11 from China and one from Taiwan were accused of advancing AI, supercomputers, and high-performance AI chips for China's military-industrial complex. Notable names include the Beijing Academy of Artificial Intelligence and subsidiaries of IT giant Inspur Group. Other entities were targeted for involvement in unsafeguarded nuclear activities or ballistic missile programs.

The restrictions also aim to prevent the use of US technology in hypersonic missiles, high-performance computing, and military aircraft training, according to Under Secretary of Commerce for Industry and Security, Jeffrey Kessler. Additionally, two entities in Iran and China were blacklisted for attempting to procure US items for Iran's defense and drone programs.

China strongly condemned the move, accusing Washington of weaponizing trade and technology. Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun criticized the "hegemonic" action and urged the US to stop abusing sanctions to suppress Chinese businesses. He warned that China would take "necessary measures" to protect its firms' interests.

Several affected companies did not respond to media inquiries regarding the US decision.