China Rebukes US Over ‘Military’ Labeling of Its Top Firms

China's Ministry of Commerce stated on May 23, 2024, that it strongly objects to the United States' designation of additional Chinese companies as "military end users." The ministry characterized this action as an abuse of national security justifications to suppress the growth of Chinese enterprises. This rebuke follows the US Department of Defense's identification of 14 new Chinese companies on May 22, 2024, that it alleges are involved in supporting China's military modernization efforts. These newly listed firms are now subject to restrictions on acquiring certain US technologies. The Chinese Commerce Ministry asserted that the US has repeatedly expanded the scope of its "military end user" list, which it claims is a move to disrupt normal trade and cooperation. The ministry further indicated that China will take necessary measures to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of its companies. The US Department of Defense has been systematically identifying and listing companies it believes are contributing to China's military-industrial complex, a practice that has escalated tensions between the two economic powers.