Alibaba and Baidu dismiss Pentagon’s list of military-affiliated companies as 'unfounded': Agency
Several prominent Chinese companies, including Alibaba, BYD, Baidu, WuXi AppTec and Nio have strongly rejected their inclusion on a US list alleging ties to the Chinese military, describing the designation as baseless and factually incorrect reported Global Times. A Chinese expert characterized the expanded list—which now encompasses leading firms across various sectors—as a politically motivated and economically biased effort by the US, aimed at curbing the growth of China’s technology industry under the pretext of national security.
Responding to questions about the list, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated on Tuesday that China firmly opposes the US’s overextension of the national security concept and the creation of discriminatory lists targeting Chinese businesses. Lin urged the US to rectify its mistakes and cease the unwarranted suppression of Chinese companies, warning that China will take necessary measures to protect their legitimate rights and interests.
In a statement to the Global Times, Alibaba asserted that there is no basis for its inclusion on the Section 1260H List, emphasizing that it is neither a Chinese military company nor involved in any military-civil fusion strategy. Alibaba also pledged to pursue all available legal avenues to counter any misrepresentation.
Baidu similarly rejected the listing, with a spokesperson telling the Global Times that the company’s inclusion is entirely unjustified and baseless. Baidu affirmed it will use every option available to seek removal from the list.
WuXi AppTec, in a statement to the Hong Kong exchange, clarified that it is not owned, controlled by, or affiliated with any Chinese military or government entity. The company described its designation on the updated list as a clear mistake and announced plans to take immediate action to challenge and correct the erroneous classification.
Chinese automaker NIO also condemned its inclusion on the US “Chinese Military Companies” list as unjustified, stressing that it is neither a military company nor involved in military-civil fusion efforts. NIO stated it intends to seek correction of the designation and pursue legal action if necessary.
