According to the Washington Post, the US customs and border protection (cbp) issued a statement on Thursday banning the import of solar panels and other goods produced by Chinese company Hoshine silicon industry co. After they found out the company's association with forced labor camps in the Xinjiang region targeting Uyghurs and other minorities.
In a statement, Alejandro Mayorkas, secretary of the department of homeland security, which oversees CBP said- " silica is a raw material which is used to make components for solar panels, electronics, and other goods. This order was issued because CBP has information reasonably indicating that Hoshine uses forced labor to produce its silica-based products".
The US-based solar energy industries association said America imported more than eight billion dollars in solar panels in 2020.
On Wednesday, the US has put five Chinese companies on its entity list that restricts their ability to receive exports, over human rights abuses in china's Xinjiang province. " specifically, the authority determined that Xinjiang gcl new energy material technology, Xinjiang daqo new energy, Xinjiang east hope nonferrous metal, Hoshine silican industry, and Xinjiang construction and production corps are engaging in activities opposed to us foreign policy "- the US commerce department said.
This latest action comes amid rising tensions between both the nations over issues including china's human rights violation, trade, and military aggression.
Source: Ani
