US adds Chinese battery, solar firms to military-linked list

The U.S. added some of the largest solar and battery manufacturers in the world to a list that it believes is aiding China's militaries. Washington has added Trinasolar, JA Solar Technology, and a number of other top technology companies to the long-awaited list of names?on monday. These include e-commerce giant Alibaba, and internet search provider Baidu. The list also included two of the world's largest battery manufacturers for electric vehicles and energy storage, JA Solar Technology and EVE Energy.

Trinasolar stated in a press release that it had never engaged in military-related activities. It had also initiated legal proceedings to appeal this designation, which they called "completely unfounded".

"Trinasolar demanded that the U.S. Government immediately rectify this error and foster a fair and equitable international business environment," said it, adding that global production had not been affected.

JA Solar,?EVE and CALB didn't immediately respond to requests for a comment.

Alibaba, Baidu and WuXi AppTec, biotech companies, said that they were included on the list by mistake, but would change it.

According to U.S. Law, the Defense Department will not be able to 'contract directly with companies on the list' and cannot purchase their products or services from third parties after 2027.

(source: Reuters)