Chinese Biotech Firm WuXi AppTec Sues Pentagon Over Military Company Designation
Following the Pentagon's addition of 80 Chinese companies to its 'Chinese military company' list, WuXi AppTec has filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, seeking to invalidate and rescind its designation. Alibaba and BYD have also indicated they will take legal action. China's Foreign Ministry condemned the U.S. measures.
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- 📰 Published: June 12, 2026 at 14:49
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(Central News Agency, Taipei, June 12) The U.S. Pentagon recently added numerous Chinese companies to a list of entities supporting the Chinese military. Reuters reported that one of the listed companies, the biotechnology firm WuXi AppTec, filed a lawsuit against the Pentagon on June 11 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.
Reuters disclosed the news on June 11. According to the report, WuXi AppTec argues in its lawsuit that the Pentagon's decision to designate it as a 'Chinese Military Company (CMC)' is invalid, void, and has no legal effect. The company is seeking to have the CMC designation revoked and rescinded.
The Pentagon released its updated list of Chinese military companies on June 8, which includes 80 corporate groups and nearly 188 affiliated entities. Compared to the previous version, the new list added over a dozen leading Chinese companies in technology, biomedicine, optoelectronics, and robotics, including Alibaba, Baidu, BYD, NIO, WuXi AppTec, Trina Solar, and Unitree Technology.
In response, China's Foreign Ministry stated, 'China has always firmly opposed the U.S. overstretching the concept of national security, creating various discriminatory lists, and unjustly suppressing Chinese companies.' It urged the U.S. to 'correct its wrong practices and stop the unjust suppression of Chinese companies. China will take necessary measures to firmly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies.'
WuXi AppTec announced on the same day that the U.S. action is erroneous and baseless, and the company will take all feasible legal actions.
Alibaba and BYD have also stated they will pursue legal action.
Reuters previously reported that while the Pentagon does not formally impose sanctions on listed companies, under new regulations, the Pentagon will be prohibited from signing contracts or procuring from companies on the list for several years. (Edited by Zhou Huiying / Zhu Jianling) 1150612
Reuters disclosed the news on June 11. According to the report, WuXi AppTec argues in its lawsuit that the Pentagon's decision to designate it as a 'Chinese Military Company (CMC)' is invalid, void, and has no legal effect. The company is seeking to have the CMC designation revoked and rescinded.
The Pentagon released its updated list of Chinese military companies on June 8, which includes 80 corporate groups and nearly 188 affiliated entities. Compared to the previous version, the new list added over a dozen leading Chinese companies in technology, biomedicine, optoelectronics, and robotics, including Alibaba, Baidu, BYD, NIO, WuXi AppTec, Trina Solar, and Unitree Technology.
In response, China's Foreign Ministry stated, 'China has always firmly opposed the U.S. overstretching the concept of national security, creating various discriminatory lists, and unjustly suppressing Chinese companies.' It urged the U.S. to 'correct its wrong practices and stop the unjust suppression of Chinese companies. China will take necessary measures to firmly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies.'
WuXi AppTec announced on the same day that the U.S. action is erroneous and baseless, and the company will take all feasible legal actions.
Alibaba and BYD have also stated they will pursue legal action.
Reuters previously reported that while the Pentagon does not formally impose sanctions on listed companies, under new regulations, the Pentagon will be prohibited from signing contracts or procuring from companies on the list for several years. (Edited by Zhou Huiying / Zhu Jianling) 1150612
FAQ
What is the basis of WuXi AppTec's lawsuit?
The company argues the Pentagon's CMC designation is invalid and lacks legal basis.
What are the concrete consequences of being on the list?
No sanctions currently, but new regulations may prohibit future contracts with the Pentagon.
Will other Chinese companies also sue?
Alibaba and BYD have indicated they will take legal action.