After Huawei, US weighs blacklisting DeepSeek, Xiaomi
Note: AI technology was used to generate this article’s audio.
- Nine US lawmakers urge Pentagon to expand entity list over alleged military ties.
- AI, smartphone, display, and robotics firms named in Reuters report.
Nine US lawmakers are urging the Pentagon to add several major Chinese technology companies to a US government list of entities accused of supporting China’s military, according to a Reuters report.
In a letter sent to US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, the bipartisan group called for the inclusion of AI firm DeepSeek, smartphone maker Xiaomi, and display manufacturer BOE Technology Group, one of the world’s largest suppliers of screens.
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Expanding scrutiny of Chinese tech
The lawmakers argued that the companies’ alleged links to China’s military warrant heightened scrutiny and formal designation on the Defense Department’s so-called Chinese military companies list. The list already includes prominent Chinese firms such as Tencent, a global technology giant and publisher of the video game PUBG, and CATL, a leading manufacturer of electric vehicle batteries.
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While placement on the list does not automatically trigger sanctions or fines, Reuters noted that it can significantly affect companies’ global sales and overseas contracts by signaling the US government’s stance to international partners and investors.
Allegations against DeepSeek
A separate Reuters report published in June said DeepSeek had assisted China’s military and bypassed US export controls by using shell companies in Southeast Asia to access advanced US-made chips. The report also said the US government has previously accused DeepSeek of sharing data from American users with the Chinese government.
US exposure to global supply chains
BOE’s inclusion is particularly sensitive given its role as a key supplier of smartphone displays worldwide, including screens used in Apple devices relied on by many US government officials. The company also has direct business dealings with the Pentagon, according to the report.
The lawmakers’ letter also named several other technology firms, including robotics company Unitree, which has emerged as a global leader in learning-capable humanoid and industrial robots.
The Pentagon has not publicly responded to the letter. Any decision to expand the list could further deepen tensions between Washington and Beijing over technology, supply chains, and national security.
