USA Adds Chinese Giants Alibaba, BYD, Baidu to Military Supporters List

The United States has officially classified major Chinese technology and manufacturing firms, including e-commerce giant Alibaba, internet services provider Baidu, and electric vehicle maker BYD, as supporters of China's military. The U.S. Department of Defense released an updated list on Monday, a move that could introduce new friction into the relationship between the two global economic powers.

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These updated lists of Chinese military companies are a warning to American businesses, all levels of government, and the American people.

This designation serves as a "warning to American businesses, all levels of government, and the American people," according to Republican Representative John Moolenaar, who chairs the U.S. House Select Committee on China. He strongly advised American companies against conducting business with these entities, stating that doing so risks "aiding China's military rise."

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not to do business with these threats to our national security

Some of the listed companies have contested the U.S. classification. Baidu has called the designation "completely unfounded," while Alibaba has labeled its inclusion on the U.S. list a "mistake" and indicated plans for legal action. The list also includes pharmaceutical company WuXi AppTec and humanoid robot manufacturer Unitree, while tech conglomerate Tencent was already on the list.

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completely unfounded

Although the classification may not impose immediate legal consequences for many of the companies, it is seen as a significant step that could precede further punitive measures. The list's update is nearly identical to one released in February, which was later withdrawn without explanation. Notably, two Chinese chip manufacturers, ChangXin Memory Technologies and Yangtze Memory Technologies, have been reinstated on the list after being removed in February.

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mistake