(Yicai Global) Aug. 15 -- The US will add China General Nuclear Power Group, the country's biggest nuclear company, and other three nuclear firms to its 'entity list' of foreign firms barred from doing business with their US counterparts over national security concerns, the country's commerce department announced on Aug.13.

CGN deems itself able to weather the impact on its development, however, the company told Securities Times.

"We have noted the relevant reports and believe that its impact on CGN's development is controllable after a preliminary analysis," it said.

The US Department of Commerce will add Shenzhen-based CGN to its blacklist because Washington believes CGN diverts US know-how to military use, and American companies will thus be barred from selling products to it.

The US government is tightening the screws on Chinese tech companies via embargoes and other means. Firms featured on this US rogues gallery are required to gain permission from the commerce department when shipping materials and technology from the country, but it rarely grants the approvals in practice.

Founded in 1994, CGN operated 23 nuclear power generating units as of July, with an installed capacity of 25.4 million kilowatts, and had a further five units under construction, with an installed capacity of 6.4 million kilowatts.

The US move is not surprising against the backdrop of current China-US trade frictions; this is merely the latest US gambit to further pressure China. CGN is the country's largest nuclear company and has mastered independent nuclear power technology. Nuclear technology is a priority in the 'Made in China 2025' initiative.

Cutting CGN off is therefore a key US tactic to hamper China's development of its nuclear power industry, insiders said, per the Securities Times report.

Editor: Ben Armour