Pentagon Adds Alibaba and BYD to List of Chinese Military Companies, Affecting U.S. Defense Contracts
The Pentagon has updated its list of Chinese military companies, now including major firms such as Alibaba, BYD, and Baidu. This list, mandated by Congress in 2021, aims to identify companies with ties to the Chinese military, even if they are not directly controlled by military or security forces. The inclusion of these companies reflects growing concerns over China's use of non-state businesses to bolster its military capabilities. The updated list, which now includes 188 entities, prevents these companies from obtaining U.S. defense contracts. The Chinese Embassy in Washington has criticized the move, accusing the U.S. of discriminatory practices. Alibaba, BYD, and Baidu have denied any military affiliations, with Alibaba stating it is not part of any military-civil fusion strategy. 
