Pentagon updates list of companies aiding Chinese military

The Pentagon released an updated list of Chinese companies it believes are aiding the Chinese military and operating in the United States. This year's list includes 188 companies, with new additions such as Alibaba, Baidu, and BYD. Deputy War Secretary Steve Feinberg stated that these companies meet the designation of 'Chinese military companies' as they provide services or products to the military while operating in the U.S. The list is updated annually as required by Section 1260H of the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal 2021, allowing companies to contest their inclusion. The designation prevents the War Department from contracting with these firms and indicates potential risks for others considering partnerships. This update follows a previous list published in February that was withdrawn shortly after release.