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US says BYD, Baidu, Alibaba and other tech giants are aiding China's military
🇸🇬 Singapore /Conflict & Security

US says BYD, Baidu, Alibaba and other tech giants are aiding China's military

From CNA · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • The US has added Chinese tech giants Alibaba, Baidu, and automaker BYD to a list of companies allegedly aiding Beijing's military.
  • This update expands the list to include major players in China's technology sector, reflecting geopolitical tensions.
  • China's embassy in Washington opposed the move, calling for a fair and non-discriminatory environment for its companies.

The United States has placed Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba, internet search provider Baidu, and automaker BYD on a list of companies accused of supporting Beijing's military apparatus. This move, announced Monday, escalates tensions between the two global powers and broadens the scope of US scrutiny over China's technological advancements.

The US should stop its wrong practice and create a fair, just and non-discriminatory environment for Chinese companies.

— Chinese Embassy SpokespersonResponding to the US decision to add Chinese companies to a list of those aiding Beijing's military.

The updated list, which supersedes a previous version from early 2025, now encompasses a wide array of China's leading technology firms. These companies are considered crucial for advancing Beijing's military and industrial capabilities, underscoring Washington's security concerns amid intense geopolitical competition. The list's release follows a recent meeting between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, which aimed to maintain a fragile trade war truce.

Several other prominent Chinese firms were also added, including biotech company WuXi AppTec, AI robotics firm RoboSense Technology Co Ltd, and humanoid robot maker Unitree. Notably, Nvidia, a US-based AI chipmaker, had previously announced plans to collaborate with Unitree on robot development. However, some entities, such as those owned by China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC), were removed from the list.

clearly a mistake

— WuXi AppTec SpokespersonDescribing the company's inclusion on the US list of firms aiding China's military.

China's embassy in Washington strongly condemned the US action, denouncing the creation of "discriminatory lists" and urging an end to such practices. A spokesperson stated that Chinese companies adhere to local laws and regulations and called for the US to foster a fair and non-discriminatory business environment. Some listed companies, like WuXi AppTec, have called their inclusion a "mistake" and are seeking its correction. The Pentagon stated that the listed firms "qualify for designation as 'Chinese military companies'" and operate within the US.

qualify for designation as 'Chinese military companies'

— PentagonStating the justification for including companies on the list.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by CNA. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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