U.S. Adds BYD, Alibaba to Chinese Military-Ties Watchlist

The United States has added several major Chinese firms, including e-commerce giant Alibaba and electric vehicle manufacturer BYD, to a list of companies alleged to have ties to the Chinese military, Osmond Chia reported for BBC News.

The Chinese Embassy in Washington described the list as “discriminatory” and said Chinese firms operating abroad have complied with local laws. (Photo: BYD Global)

The Department of Defense list is intended to alert American organizations to the potential risks of doing business with the companies, though inclusion does not automatically trigger sanctions.

The Chinese Embassy in Washington described the list as “discriminatory” and said Chinese firms operating abroad have complied with local laws.

The BBC said it contacted BYD and several companies on the list for comment.

Alibaba representatives separately said there was no basis for the company’s inclusion.

The list, known as Section 1260H, was published in the Federal Register on Monday and includes some of China’s largest corporations — a move that could further strain relations between Washington and Beijing.

The Pentagon identified 188 “Chinese military companies” that it considers potential national security risks to the United States. Many of the listed firms conduct business directly or indirectly with U.S. markets and organizations.