China’s authorities expressed strong displeasure at Washington’s decision to add leading Chinese corporations to a Pentagon list. China’s Ministry of Commerce called on Washington to immediately lift the restrictions on companies that the US Department of Defense suspects of supporting Beijing’s military capabilities.
The updated roster includes tech giants Alibaba and Baidu and electric‑vehicle makers BYD and NIO. The list was later expanded to include solar‑panel manufacturers Trina Solar and JA Solar Technology. The ministry warned it stands ready to take retaliatory measures if the United States does not ensure fair treatment of national businesses and return to constructive dialogue.
The latest escalation came just one month after Donald Trump and Xi Jinping met in Beijing. According to the Chinese side, the Pentagon’s recent actions directly undermine the agreements reached by the two leaders to preserve a fragile trade truce.
US law strictly prohibits the Department of Defense from entering into direct contracts with entities on this list. Restrictions on purchasing their goods and services through third parties will take effect in 2027. The pressure on China’s largest automakers and IT corporations once again underscores the ongoing struggle between the US and China for technological leadership and national security.
