Pentagon adds Alibaba, BYD and other Chinese tech firms to its military-linked company list

The Trump administration released an updated list of entities that it designates to have links with the Chinese military - not only those that are directly controlled by the Chinese military and security forces, but also companies allegedly aiding the country's defence industrial base.

Among the prominent new additions are the tech giant Alibaba, EV maker BYD, search engine Baidu, and robotics firm Unitree.

Media reports say the listed firms can still do business in the US but may face reputational damage and risk further restrictions.

In Beijing, authorities are lashing out at Washington's "groundless suppression" of Chinese companies.

Foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian says, "China always firmly opposes the US overstretching the concept of national security and creating various types of discriminatory lists to go after Chinese businesses. We urge the US to correct its wrongdoings, and stop the unwarranted suppression of Chinese businesses. China will do what is necessary to firmly protect their legitimate and lawful rights and interests."

The Chinese Embassy said in a statement that Chinese companies observe the laws and regulations of the countries where they do business.

Alibaba and Baidu have rejected their inclusion on the list and warned to take necessary legal actions, calling accusations that they are military companies "baseless."