The Pentagon is considering adding Alibaba, Baidu, and BYD to its list of companies linked to the Chinese military, as stated by Deputy Defense Secretary Stephen Feinberg in a letter to lawmakers. This potential inclusion, alongside five other companies, raises concerns about the reputations of these firms and the risks for U.S. entities engaging with them. While Alibaba has denied any military affiliations, asserting it does not participate in U.S. military procurement, the implications of being on the 1260H list signal heightened scrutiny of Chinese companies operating internationally. The broader significance lies in the increasing tension between the U.S. and China, reflecting ongoing geopolitical competition and the protective measures being adopted by the U.S. against perceived threats to national security.