Pentagon to blacklist China’s largest EV battery and tech firms

illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on The Washington Post or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: The Pentagon has added China's largest EV battery-maker, CATL, and tech giant Tencent to its "1260H list," barring them from Defense Department contracts starting in June 2026
• This move targets firms allegedly linked to China's military or surveillance activities, signaling risks for American companies working with them
• Other listed firms include COMAC, SenseTime, and BGI's DNA sequencing arm

🔭 The context: The 1260H list, mandated by Congress since 2021, identifies entities supporting China’s military-civil fusion strategy
• CATL, which supplies Tesla, faces scrutiny for its potential role in Chinese government spying via EV data
• Tencent, valued at over $480 billion, also faces claims of military ties despite denying involvement

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: These restrictions spotlight the intersection of national security and green energy, as reliance on Chinese EV and battery tech complicates U.S. climate goals
• The blacklisting raises concerns about securing clean energy supply chains while addressing geopolitical tensions

⏭️ What's next: The ban, though effective in 2026, may accelerate U.S. investigations and deter businesses from collaborating with listed companies
• It aligns with broader bipartisan efforts to counter China’s tech and military advancements, with further actions expected under the incoming administration

💬 One quote: “When the Pentagon affirms you are a Chinese military company, it’s an official scarlet letter that can impact... the long-term viability in the U.S. market,” - Eric Sayers, American Enterprise Institute fellow

📈 One stat: Tencent’s stock dropped nearly 10% following the announcement, reflecting market jitters over the blacklist

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