US blacklists Alibaba, BYD, Baidu as Chinese military companies

The United States has added three of China's most prominent technology firms – Alibaba, BYD, and Baidu – to a list of "Chinese military companies," a move that carries significant implications for their operations in the U.S.

The designation, which also includes two AI and robotics companies, RoboSense Technology and Unitree Robotics, along with pharmaceutical firm Wuxi AppTec, imposes substantial restrictions on these companies' business activities within the United States. The U.S. Department of Defense has expanded its list to 188 companies, up from 134 last year.

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Alibaba is neither a Chinese military company nor part of any military-civil fusion transition strategy.

Alibaba, China's largest e-commerce platform, has vehemently denied any ties to the Chinese military, stating that the decision is an attempt to tarnish its reputation. A spokesperson asserted, "Alibaba is neither a Chinese military company nor part of any military-civil fusion transition strategy." Similarly, Baidu has dismissed the U.S. accusations as entirely baseless.

China's embassy in Washington criticized the U.S. government's broad interpretation of national security, calling the decision discriminatory. "Chinese companies operating abroad are careful to comply with the laws and regulations of host countries. The U.S. must cease this erroneous practice and create a reasonable, fair, and non-discriminatory environment for Chinese companies," the embassy stated. This development occurs shortly after a period of diplomatic engagement between the U.S. and China, potentially impacting bilateral relations.

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Chinese companies operating abroad are careful to comply with the laws and regulations of host countries. The U.S. must cease this erroneous practice and create a reasonable, fair, and non-discriminatory environment for Chinese companies.