“The (People’s Republic of China’s) use of high-altitude balloons violates our sovereignty and threatens US national security,” said Under Secretary of Commerce for Industry and Security Alan Estevez in a statement on Friday.
“Today’s action makes clear that entities that seek to harm US national security and sovereignty will be cut off from accessing US technologies,” he added.
The six companies include Beijing Nanjiang Aerospace Technology; China Electronics Technology Group Corporation 48th Research Institute; and Dongguan Lingkong Remote Sensing Technology.
The other three are Eagles Men Aviation Science and Technology Group; Guangzhou Tian-Hai-Xiang Aviation Technology; along with Shanxi Eagles Men Aviation Science and Technology Group.
In a document, the Commerce Department said China’s military is utilising high-altitude balloons “for intelligence and reconnaissance activities”, adding that this was contrary to US national security and foreign policy interests.