Alibaba,major Chinese e-commerce and tech giant, has taken U.S. government to court,aiming to reverse its spot on a Pentagon blacklist. This list accuses Alibaba of military ties. Filed in California federal court, the lawsuit challenges the U.S. Department of Defense's (DoD) claim that Chinese tech regulations tie Alibaba to military activities.
The Pentagon's 1260H list recently grew to include big names like Baidu,BYD,and Nio. Starting June 30,DoD can't do business with them . DoD calls Alibaba "military-civil fusion contributor" to China's defense sector, citing Beijing links. Alibaba flatly denies this,saying claims lack facts and legal footing .
Alibaba argues none of its board members have military links. It notes all multinationals in China,including American firms,follow same regulations . Alibaba insists its platforms focus on retail and cloud computing, not military use. "Alibaba is not a Chinese military company nor part of any military-civil fusion strategy," it stated .
“The decision to place Alibaba on the 1260H list is arbitrary and capricious,and we are filing a lawsuit against the Department of War to demand removal from the list,”the company added .
Blacklist doesn't freeze Alibaba's funds now, but it brings tough operational limits. Pentagon can't legally work with blacklisted firms. U.S . contractors with shared lobbyists or lawyers also must steer clear,isolating Alibaba from U.S. advisors to safeguard defense deals.
Alibaba says this weakens its ability to lobby in Washington at crucial time. It previously sought talks with DoD to counter military tie claims,offering proof of U.S. economic contributions. But Alibaba says DoD ignored its submissions,blacklisting without notice or fair hearing.
DoD declines to comment,stating, "We do not comment on ongoing litigation." As this legal battle unfolds,Alibaba's U.S. future hangs in balance…
