White House Blacklists Eight Chinese Tech Firms

The White House blacklisted eight Chinese tech firms Tuesday, citing their role in alleged human rights violations against Muslim minorities in the Xinjiang region of China. The blacklist effectively bars the firms from buying American products or services.

Who's joining Huawei on the dreaded list? Some Emerging Tech Brew vets and a few new faces: Dahua, Hikvision, iFlyTek, Megvii, SenseTime, Xiamen Meiya Pico Information Co., Yitu, and Yixin Science and Technology Co.

• Hikvision had 21% global market share of CCTV and surveillance cameras in 2017, making it the world leader. Dahua is the No. 2 vendor.
• SenseTime is the world's most valuable AI startup.
• Megvii filed for a Hong Kong IPO in August.

It's a who's who of incumbent Chinese surveillance vendors and powerful AI startups. Their products are built with machine learning, cloud computing, smart componentry, data analytics platforms, GPS tracking tech, facial recognition, and more.

Will China hit back? "Stay tuned," a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said yesterday. Note the timing: U.S. and Chinese officials are set to meet for high-level trade talks in D.C. tomorrow.