U.S. Withdraws Controversial List of Chinese Companies Aiding Military

The U.S. briefly released and then withdrew a list of Chinese companies, including major tech firms like Alibaba and Baidu, alleged to support China's military. The withdrawal followed criticism, and the move reflects caution amid a U.S.-China trade truce. China's response includes threats of legal action.

In a swift and controversial move, the U.S. government withdrew an updated list of Chinese companies purported to be aiding Beijing's military, just hours after its release. This document featured tech giants such as Alibaba and Baidu but notably excluded top Chinese memory chipmakers, which stirred opposition from Washington's China hawks.

According to an editorial note from the Federal Register, an agency letter requesting its withdrawal was received post-publication, yet no rationale was given. Neither the Pentagon nor the White House provided comments on the situation.

The temporary publication of this list surfaces amid ongoing U.S.-China trade negotiations, highlighting the delicate balance the Trump administration seeks to maintain. Meanwhile, China's influential tech companies have threatened legal recourse, challenging the validity of their inclusion on the contentious registry.