- The Pentagon just added Alibaba and Baidu to its China‑military linked firms list.
- The Defense Department released an updated roster on June 9, expanding the previous tally of companies with ties to the People’s Liberation Army. The list now names two of China’s biggest tech firms alongside existing entries such as Huawei and Hikvision. The update was part of a routine review required by the 2024 Export Control Reform Act, which mandates regular reporting of firms that could support Beijing’s military modernization.
- For U.S. contractors and investors, the move signals heightened scrutiny of supply chains that may touch Chinese AI or cloud services. Companies dealing with Alibaba’s cloud platform or Baidu’s AI tools could face additional compliance checks or restrictions. The change also nudges policymakers toward tighter export controls on emerging technologies.
- This isn’t the first time the list has swelled; the Pentagon has been gradually widening its scope as U.S.-China tech rivalry deepens.