Pentagon adds Chinese firms to military list, then withdraws filing
South China Morning Post
by Xinmei Shen,Khushboo Razdan,Vincent ChowFebruary 13, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The Pentagon recently made headlines by adding numerous Chinese companies to a military list, only to withdraw the document shortly after. This move included prominent firms like Alibaba, Baidu, and BYD, sparking tensions just weeks before President Trump's visit to Beijing. The list targeted sectors such as biotech, AI, drones, and semiconductors, but notably excluded memory chip manufacturers, which were removed prior to its official publication.
The updated designation reflects the Trump administration's ongoing efforts to identify Chinese military-linked companies under Section 1260H. This action underscores a broader strategy to limit collaboration between China's private sector and its military, particularly in emerging technologies. However, the withdrawal of the list highlights the inconsistency within Washington's approach to US-China relations.
The timing of this move is crucial, as it comes weeks before Trump's summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. The abrupt reversal raises questions about the administration's strategy and injects uncertainty into an already fragile truce between the two nations. This unpredictability could impact global markets and international trade dynamics, particularly in high-tech industries.
Ultimately, this episode highlights the volatile nature of US-China relations, where mixed signals from Washington complicate efforts to maintain stability. The implications extend beyond economics, affecting geopolitical security and diplomatic efforts. As both countries navigate this complex landscape, the potential
Verticals
worldasia
Originally published on South China Morning Post on 2/13/2026