China sanctions dozens of US firms after Pentagon list update

China has retaliated against the United States by sanctioning dozens of American companies, particularly in the defense and aerospace industries. This move comes just a month after President Donald Trump's visit to Beijing, which was intended to ease tensions between the two global powers.

The Chinese Ministry of Commerce presented these sanctions as a direct response to the U.S. Department of Defense's recent update to its list of "Chinese military companies" operating within the United States. This U.S. list had previously included major Chinese tech giants like Alibaba, Baidu, and BYD.

In its reprisal, China has placed ten American companies and entities on a list that prohibits the export of dual-use items, which have both civilian and military applications. The Ministry of Commerce stated that "any organization or individual from any country or region is prohibited from transferring or providing these entities with items originating from China; any ongoing export activities must cease immediately."

Among the targeted companies are AVEOX and Red Cat. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce described the measures as a response to the "inadmissible act of the U.S. government adding new entities to its so-called 'Chinese military companies' list.''

Furthermore, China announced it would ban its public administrations and local authorities from purchasing products from 46 American companies in public procurement processes. The Ministry of Finance specified that "buyers are not authorized to acquire products manufactured" by these companies. Notably, several entities from Lockheed Martin and Raytheon, along with Boeing's space, defense, and security division, are included in this ban.