US raises security concern after deals into Chinese companies with links to PLA surfaces

US  Department of state has listed 80 Chinese companies that have links to People's Liberation Army (PLA) and are mentioned in US stock exchange, claiming y pose threat to America's national security with some of m even involved in crimes against humanity. State Department said that US retail investors have been unkwingly investing money, through index funds, which supports Chinese companies involved in both civilian and military production. 

"As of June 2020, at least 22 of 31 parent-level PRC military companies had affiliates’ securities included on a major securities index, including at least 68 distinct affiliate-level securities issuers; at least 13 PRC firms on Entity List had affiliates or parent companies included in MSCI or FTSE stock indices; and MSCI emerging market index included 230 A-shares Chinese stocks incorporated on mainland, quoted in renminbi, and listed on Chinese Communist Party-controlled Shanghai and Shenzhen exchanges," State Department said in a statement. 

Read: US Top Official Says China Conducting 'human Testing' For 'biologically Enhanced' Soldiers

'Companies help CCP in surveillance of civilians'

State Department said that some of companies produce techlogies that are used by Chinese state for surveillance of civilians and repression of human rights, citing example of Uighur Muslims in Xinjiang province. China is accused of persecuting mirity Uighurs in Xinjiang through forced labour, sexual and physical abuse, unlawful detention of millions. State Department alleged that list also includes companies accused of engaging ecomically with Iran and rth Korea in violation of US sanctions. 

Read: China's State Media Warns Of Dangerous Shift In Si-US Ties, Calls Dams 'unrepairable'

"Under Xi Jinping, CCP has prioritized something called ‘military-civil fusion.’ … Under Chinese law, Chinese companies and researchers must – under penalty of law – share techlogy with Chinese military. goal is to ensure that People’s Liberation Army has military dominance.  And PLA’s core mission is to sustain Chinese Communist Party’s grip on power," US State Secretary Mike Pompeo said. 

Read: China Sees Red After US Intel Chief's Comments, Says Ratcliffe 'continues To Repeat Lies'

Lately, United States has been taking tough action against companies being controlled or owned by PLA. Trump administration on Thursday added four more Chinese companies to blacklist of over 30 firms operating in United States to highlight military-civil fusion development strategy of China to ensure its military is getting access to advanced techlogies. 

Read: US Blacklists Four More Chinese Firms For Allegedly Being Controlled By Country's Military