Asia

The Chinese government might soon expedite the publication of an “unreliable entities list” that would restrict designated businesses’ ability to do business in China, according to a report from an official media source that called the potential move a response to a bill the U.S. House is expected to pass this week condemning human-rights violations against Uighur Muslims in the Xinjiang province.

The Commerce Department on Tuesday issued proposed regulations that would allow it to block foreign information and communications technology and services from entering the U.S. if the Commerce secretary determines they posed national security risks.

The Chinese military has not invaded Hong Kong and killed thousands of protesters because President Trump told Chinese President Xi Jinping that doing so would have a “tremendous negative impact” on the chances the U.S. and China would reach a trade deal, Trump claimed during a Friday interview on Fox News.

“China will have to take strong countermeasures to defend our national sovereignty, security and development interests if the U.S. insists on making the wrong decisions.”

This week’s move allows the upper house time to ratify the deal before the Diet session ends on Dec. 9.

The license was previously extended in August.

The installation of a new European Commission will present a fresh opportunity for the U.S. and EU to cooperate on combating illicit Chinese trading practices, but President Trump’s hostile attitude toward Europe could hinder any cooperation even on issues of shared concern, analysts said.

China’s move follows a USDA decision to permit imports of poultry products from birds slaughtered in China.

Witnesses have not yet been named for the Nov. 20 hearing.