US Lawmakers Push for Inclusion of Chinese Tech Firms on Pentagon Watchlist

This week, a group of nine lawmakers from the United States reached out to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, urging the Pentagon to consider adding several prominent Chinese technology companies to a list of entities believed to be supporting the Chinese military. This request follows the recent signing of a significant military spending bill by President Donald Trump.

Request for Inclusion of Specific Firms

In their letter, sent shortly after the approval of a $1 trillion military funding package, the lawmakers specifically asked for AI firm DeepSeek, smartphone manufacturer Xiaomi, and electronics giant BOE Technology Group to be included on what is known as the Section 1260H list. This listing is crucial as it informs defense contractors and government agencies about the U.S. military’s stance on these companies.

Implications of the Section 1260H List

The Section 1260H list currently features major players in the Chinese tech landscape, including Tencent Holdings, one of the largest technology companies in China, and CATL, a leader in the electric vehicle battery market. While inclusion on this list does not equate to formal sanctions, it serves as a significant warning to U.S. suppliers and often leads to legal repercussions as some companies listed have already challenged their designation in court.

The Pentagon’s Proposed Name Change

In a noteworthy move, President Trump has also proposed that the Department of Defense be rebranded as the Department of War, a change that would require congressional approval.

A senior U.S. official mentioned earlier in June that DeepSeek has been facilitating military efforts for China, notably bypassing U.S. export controls.

Conclusion

The ongoing tensions between the U.S. and China over technology and military partnerships show no signs of abating. Calls from lawmakers to scrutinize Chinese firms reflect heightened concerns over national security and foreign influence in essential sectors.