The U.S. Department of Defense has expanded its list of companies it considers connected to China’s military, adding Alibaba, BYD, Baidu and robotics firm Unitree, whose robots have gained international attention in recent years, The Associated Press reported.
Established under a congressional mandate, the list identifies companies that the Pentagon believes have ties to China’s military or contribute to the country’s defense industrial capabilities. The updated version of the register, released on Monday, now includes 188 entities, up from about 130 a year ago.
The Pentagon has previously stated that China’s military seeks access to advanced technologies developed by companies, universities, and research institutions operating in the civilian sphere.
Being placed on the list does not prohibit companies from conducting business in the U.S. It bars them, however, from securing U.S. defense contracts and may increase the likelihood of future restrictions. Inclusion can also carry reputational and commercial consequences.
Alibaba, BYD and Baidu rejected the Pentagon’s designation. Each company stated that it has no military affiliation and argued that its inclusion on the list lacks a factual basis. Chinese officials also criticized the move, accusing the U.S. of using national security concerns to target Chinese companies.
The Pentagon cited links between the companies and China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, which oversees the country’s industrial and technology policies.
