The Commerce Department said it saw a danger that two BGI units might contribute to the government's surveillance apparatus, which human rights groups say is trying to create a database of genetic samples that Muslims and other minorities were compelled to provide.
Washington has accused China of trying to use civilian companies to obtain processor chip, aerospace and other technologies that can be used to make weapons. Beijing retorts that the US government is trying to stop potential commercial competitors. She called on Washington to "abandon ideological prejudice" and "stop abusing various excuses to unreasonably suppress Chinese enterprises."