Alibaba files lawsuit against US government

Mainland Chinese technology and e-commerce giant Alibaba is suing the US government over being placed on a list of businesses linked to the Chinese military. Alibaba says the allegations lack basis and has caused the company irreparable harm.

The US government has yet to comment on the legal action.

Earlier in the month, the US Department of Defense expanded its blacklist of alleged "Chinese military companies" to 188 entities. Among those is Alibaba, which is accused of being a "military-civil fusion contributor to the Chinese defence industrial base" through an affiliation with China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.

The blacklist reflects concerns over the Chinese government's ability to tap the private sector for military advancement.

Alibaba claims the accusations are baseless and has filed a lawsuit Tuesday against the US Department of Defense to seek removal from the list. The company says the determinations have no basis in fact or law.

Alibaba affirms it is governed by an independent board with no military background and that its products and services are designed for retail, logistics, and enterprise information technology - not weapons, defence, or intelligence.

Alibaba says the claims by the US government has already caused irreparable harm.

A Pentagon spokesperson declined to comment, saying the agency does not discuss pending litigation.

Several major Chinese companies, including electric vehicle manufacturer BYD and internet search company Baidu, have also been placed on the list.