US Pulls Back Controversial List of Chinese Tech Giants Tied to Military

The United States temporarily published, then quickly withdrew, a list of Chinese companies, including Alibaba and Baidu, allegedly linked to Beijing's military. The withdrawal sparked criticism amid fears about China's advancing chipmaking capabilities. Calls for clarification and diplomatic concerns intertwine as the Trump administration shifts its China policy approach.

The United States recently posted and swiftly retracted a controversial list naming Chinese firms allegedly aiding Beijing's military. The document, which included tech giants like Alibaba and Baidu, caused a stir, especially with the removal of major chipmakers CXMT and YMTC, alarming China hawks in Washington.

A letter from the Pentagon to the Federal Register requested the list's withdrawal without providing reasons, and responses from key officials remain unavailable. Observers suggested the removal of CXMT and YMTC could have been an error, with additions including companies crucial to China's AI technology stack.

This incident highlights shifting U.S. policies toward China, following the October trade truce between Presidents Xi Jinping and Donald Trump. As sanctions teeter in limbo, questions about U.S.-China technological and military relations persist, underscored by legal disputes from listed companies like Alibaba.

(With inputs from agencies.)