Beijing Opposes US Adding Alibaba, BYD to List of Chinese Military-Affiliated Companies

(CNA, Taipei, 9th) In response to the U.S. Pentagon's recent addition of Alibaba, Baidu, and BYD to a list of companies assisting the Chinese military, China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated today that it opposes the U.S. generalizing the concept of national security and that China will take necessary measures to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises.

According to Chinese media outlet The Paper, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian responded at a regular press conference this afternoon, stating, "China has always resolutely opposed the U.S. generalizing the concept of national security, creating various discriminatory lists, and unreasonably suppressing Chinese companies."

Lin said, "We urge the U.S. side to correct its wrong practices and stop its unreasonable suppression of Chinese companies. China will take necessary measures to firmly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies."

Reuters reported that the Pentagon on the 8th released an updated list of Chinese companies it believes are assisting the Chinese military, including e-commerce group Alibaba, internet search engine giant Baidu, and automaker BYD.

The report said the Pentagon had briefly released an updated list in February but later withdrew it. Many of the companies on the list released on the 8th had appeared on the February list, including Alibaba, Baidu, and BYD. Other newly added companies include biotech firm WuXi AppTec and AI-driven robotics company RoboSense.

The report stated that the Pentagon has not formally imposed sanctions on the listed Chinese companies, but under new regulations, the Pentagon will be barred from signing contracts with or making procurements from the companies on the list in the coming years. (Edited by: Chou Hui-ying / Chiu Kuo-chiang) 1150609