Chinese firms and officials criticize U.S. House's approval of the Biosecure Act
Chinese businesses and government officials express their opposition to the U.S. House's approval of the Biosecure Act.
TroibNews 
China has expressed strong opposition to the newly passed Biosecure Act by the U.S. House of Representatives, highlighting concerns about discriminatory actions towards Chinese firms, as stated by Mao Ning, a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, on Tuesday.
"The U.S. needs to abandon ideological bias, respect the principles of market economy and trade rules, stop advancing that bill, and stop suppressing Chinese companies under various pretexts," Mao commented during a routine press briefing in Beijing.
The legislation was approved by the U.S. House on Monday with a decisive vote of 306 to 81, exceeding the two-thirds majority required. The act restricts federal agencies from contracting with Chinese biotechnology entities such as WuXi AppTec and BGI Group, citing "national security" concerns.
Advocates of the bill argue it is necessary to safeguard the genetic data of Americans and to protect local drug supply chains. However, critics question the transparency in the criteria used for designating foreign firms in the bill.
WuXi AppTec responded to the allegations by clarifying that it does not operate a human genomics business nor does it collect human genomic data worldwide.
Following the bill's approval, WuXi AppTec’s stock value dropped more than 10 percent in Hong Kong's market. The company has announced plans to closely monitor the progression of the legislation and to communicate with relevant parties.
MGI Tech Co., part of the BGI Group, has also publicly challenged the legislation, describing it as "baseless."
The bill poses a risk to global biosecurity as it could hinder the advancement of the biotechnology sector, suppress innovation, and limit the ability of worldwide firms to capitalize on and distribute significant medical advancements, according to a statement from the company.
Additionally, BGI Group has voiced disappointment over the U.S. legislative process being manipulated to favor certain companies over others.
Before becoming law, the bill will need to be passed by the Senate and subsequently signed by President Joe Biden.
Anna Muller for TROIB News
"The U.S. needs to abandon ideological bias, respect the principles of market economy and trade rules, stop advancing that bill, and stop suppressing Chinese companies under various pretexts," Mao commented during a routine press briefing in Beijing.
The legislation was approved by the U.S. House on Monday with a decisive vote of 306 to 81, exceeding the two-thirds majority required. The act restricts federal agencies from contracting with Chinese biotechnology entities such as WuXi AppTec and BGI Group, citing "national security" concerns.
Advocates of the bill argue it is necessary to safeguard the genetic data of Americans and to protect local drug supply chains. However, critics question the transparency in the criteria used for designating foreign firms in the bill.
WuXi AppTec responded to the allegations by clarifying that it does not operate a human genomics business nor does it collect human genomic data worldwide.
Following the bill's approval, WuXi AppTec’s stock value dropped more than 10 percent in Hong Kong's market. The company has announced plans to closely monitor the progression of the legislation and to communicate with relevant parties.
MGI Tech Co., part of the BGI Group, has also publicly challenged the legislation, describing it as "baseless."
The bill poses a risk to global biosecurity as it could hinder the advancement of the biotechnology sector, suppress innovation, and limit the ability of worldwide firms to capitalize on and distribute significant medical advancements, according to a statement from the company.
Additionally, BGI Group has voiced disappointment over the U.S. legislative process being manipulated to favor certain companies over others.
Before becoming law, the bill will need to be passed by the Senate and subsequently signed by President Joe Biden.
Anna Muller for TROIB News
