China isn't staying silent! 🇨🇳✋ On Tuesday, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning, slammed the U.S. House of Representatives for passing the Biosecure Act, which targets Chinese biotech companies like WuXi AppTec and BGI Group.
\"The U.S. needs to abandon ideological bias, respect market economy principles, and stop pushing this bill,\" Mao Ning declared in Beijing. The Act, passed with a vote of 306 to 81, prohibits U.S. federal agencies from doing business with certain Chinese biotech firms under the guise of \"national security.\"
Supporters of the bill claim it's all about protecting Americans' genetic info and securing pharmaceutical supply chains. But critics are raising eyebrows 🤨, questioning how foreign companies were selected for the legislation.
WuXi AppTec isn't having it. The company shot back, denying any wrongdoing. \"We don't operate a human genomics business nor collect human genomic data globally,\" they stated. Despite their defense, shares for WuXi AppTec took a hit, dropping over 10% in Hong Kong. Ouch! 📉
MGI Tech Co, part of BGI Group, also voiced strong opposition, labeling the legislation \"baseless.\" They warned that the bill could actually harm global biosecurity by slowing progress and stifling innovation. \"This isn't just about us—it's about the future of medical breakthroughs,\" they emphasized.
BGI Group chimed in too, expressing disappointment over the U.S. legislative process being used to \"pick winners and losers.\"
But hold up! 🛑 The Biosecure Act isn't law just yet. It still needs to pass the Senate and get President Biden's signature. So, the saga continues… Stay tuned! 🔄
Reference(s):
Chinese companies, authorities oppose U.S. House passing Biosecure Act
cgtn.com
