Alibaba Sues Pentagon Over 1260H Blacklist, Citing 30 June Contractor Ban
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · Jun 23
Alibaba Sues Pentagon Over 1260H Blacklist, Citing 30 June Contractor Ban
3 articles · Updated · BBC.com · Jun 23
Summary
Alibaba asked a California federal court to remove it from the Pentagon’s 1260H list, arguing the designation was imposed without notice or a fair hearing.
The Defense Department says Alibaba’s compliance with Chinese tech regulators makes it a military-civil fusion contributor; Alibaba says its business is retail and cloud computing, not weapons or intelligence.
A 30 June rule gives the blacklist immediate force by barring the Pentagon from doing business with listed firms and with US contractors that share a lobbyist or law firm with them.
Alibaba says that spillover would force its long-time American advisers to cut ties, effectively blocking its legal and political representation in Washington as it fights the designation.
The case follows the Pentagon’s recent expansion of the blacklist to major Chinese companies including Baidu, BYD and Nio; the DoD declined comment because the litigation is ongoing.
Following Xiaomi's victory, can Alibaba's lawsuit expose the Pentagon's secret evidence?
Is the Pentagon's blacklist a shield for security or a sword in an economic war?
When tech giants claim US constitutional rights, who defines the line with national security?
U.S. Expands Blacklist to 188 Chinese Firms: Alibaba’s Legal Challenge and the New Era of Tech Decoupling
Overview
On June 8, 2026, the U.S. Department of Defense expanded its blacklist of Chinese Military Companies to 188 entities, adding major firms like Alibaba, Baidu, and BYD. Companies on this list are immediately barred from U.S. defense contracts, with even broader restrictions coming in 2027. Alibaba denied any military ties and quickly filed a lawsuit against the Pentagon to challenge its inclusion. In response, the Chinese government condemned the U.S. move, calling it politically motivated economic coercion. This escalation highlights growing tensions and legal battles between the U.S. and China over technology and security concerns.