The US government has added six Chinese entities connected to Beijing's aerial surveillance program to its export blacklist.

The move follows the shoot-down of a Chinese balloon off the coast of the US state of South Carolina last Saturday. It had travelled across the continental US for several days. The FBI has been analyzing the balloon's debris salvaged from the sea.

The administration of US President Joe Biden suspects the balloon was for reconnaissance and that companies with direct links to the People's Liberation Army were involved in its production.

The export blacklist regulates companies and organizations that undermine US national security and foreign policies.

The US Department of Commerce said the six entities that were added to the list support the PLA's aerospace programs including airships and balloons. It also said the PLA is using high-altitude balloons for intelligence and reconnaissance activities.

A senior commerce department official said the balloon violated US sovereignty and called it a threat to national security. The official also said Friday's action will prevent the six entities from accessing US technologies.