Illumina launched the locally manufactured MiSeq i100 Series-CN sequencer in China, positioning the move as a step forward for its “in China, for China” strategy. The instrument is described as functionally identical to the global version, but assembled and manufactured in China to serve domestic customers. Illumina said it remains on China’s Unreliable Entities List, meaning approvals may still be needed for importing complete instruments—highlighting continued regulatory friction even after import bans were lifted in late 2025. The launch also arrives amid broader trade and market-access uncertainty for US life-science tools in China.