China voiced strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition on Saturday following the United States’ decision to place several prominent Chinese technology companies, including e-commerce leader Alibaba, on a Pentagon blacklist due to alleged connections with Beijing’s military.
This development marks a new escalation in the ongoing geopolitical and trade tensions between the world’s two largest economies, occurring just a month after a high-profile meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing.
The updated blacklist, issued by the US Department of Defense, encompasses a wide range of China’s top technology firms. Washington regards these companies as instrumental in advancing China’s military and industrial capabilities, reflecting deep-rooted security concerns amid intense strategic rivalry.
In response, China’s Ministry of Commerce released a strongly worded statement demanding that the US reverse its decision immediately. The ministry emphasized Beijing’s strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition, urging Washington to halt its “erroneous practices” and work towards fostering a constructive and stable relationship.
Notably, the commerce ministry warned that China would respond with resolute and forceful retaliation if Chinese companies continue to face unfair treatment under these measures.
Meanwhile, China’s Foreign Ministry expressed serious concerns about the updated blacklist, which replaces a previous version compiled in early 2025. Chinese officials criticized the Pentagon’s unilateral action for disregarding the consensus reached between Presidents Xi and Trump during their recent summit, where both leaders had maintained a fragile truce in their trade dispute.
Under US law, companies listed on the Pentagon blacklist face significant long-term commercial restrictions. The Department of Defense is barred from contracting directly with any of the designated firms, and purchasing their products or services through third-party supply chains will also be restricted. These prohibitions are set to be fully enforced by 2027.
In a significant development, this move is expected to further disrupt global technology supply chains and could provoke a new cycle of retaliatory economic measures. Analysts note that including a consumer-facing giant like Alibaba signals an expansion of US economic restrictions beyond traditional defense and surveillance sectors, now targeting China’s broader digital ecosystem.
