Alibaba, Chinese tech and e-commerce heavyweight, is taking U.S. government to court after being tagged as linked to Chinese military . Lawsuit hit San Jose federal court after Pentagon's June 8 move to expand blacklist to 188 entities it says are tied to China's military.
Pentagon labels Alibaba part of China's military-civil fusion,pointing to ties with Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and indirect links to State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission (SASAC). Alibaba counters that claims are baseless,arguing designations lack any factual or legal foundation.
In its complaint,Alibaba stressed its independent governance — no board members with military ties. “Products,services for retail,logistics, enterprise IT — not weapons,defence, intelligence,” company asserted. Lawsuit seeks removal from Pentagon's blacklist,which could hit operations hard .
Designation's impact could be huge. New U.S. law bans Pentagon from contracting with blacklisted firms starting this month,also curbs buying their products,services. Part of bigger push to limit military advances.
Others on list with Alibaba: Baidu,BYD,NIO, biotech firm WuXi AppTec — also suing. Alibaba argues being labeled “Chinese military company” harms its reputation,risks ties with U.S. businesses that depend on Alibaba for Chinese market access.
“To call Alibaba a ‘Chinese military company’ brands it as military tool,threat to U.S. security,” company stated. Lawsuit claims designation already causing major business harm.
Pentagon spokesperson declined to comment on ongoing litigation,sticking to policy of silence on pending cases. As case unfolds,Alibaba's future in U.S. market…uncertain.
