Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba sues US government over defence blacklist

Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba is suing the US Department of Defense over its inclusion on a blacklist of companies with alleged ties to the Chinese military. Alibaba denies these accusations, stating it is not a military company or part of any military-civil fusion strategy. The company argues the designation is arbitrary and capricious, and it seeks removal from the list. The blacklist imposes significant operational penalties starting June 30, banning the Pentagon and US contractors from doing business with blacklisted firms. Alibaba contends this restriction effectively blocks its ability to operate and defend itself in Washington. The company claims it was designated without notice or a fair hearing, despite prior attempts to address concerns and present evidence of its US economic contributions.

Alibaba Group Holding has filed a lawsuit against the US Department of Defence in a California district court. The Chinese technology and e-commerce company is seeking to be removed from a Pentagon blacklist of firms allegedly supporting China's military. Alibaba claims the Department of Defence added the company to this list without providing substantial evidence or explanation. The company argues that this action violates its constitutional due process rights and its right to free speech.

Alibaba has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Defense in federal court in San Jose, California, contesting its designation as a "Chinese military company." The e-commerce giant argues that this claim has no basis in fact or law, stating its board has no military affiliation and its services are for retail, logistics, and IT, not defense. The U.S. added Alibaba to a list of companies believed to be assisting China's military on June 8, alongside other firms like BYD and Baidu. Alibaba previously warned it would take legal action to challenge the designation. The Pentagon's list of such companies has grown to 188 firms.