Alibaba, a Chinese tech giant, has denied allegations that it assists Beijing in targeting the United States. The company responded to a recent media report, calling the claims “completely false.” The report, published by the Financial Times, alleged that Alibaba provides technological support for Chinese military operations against US targets, citing a White House memo.
According to the memo, Alibaba supposedly hands over customer data, including IP addresses, WiFi information, and payment records, to Chinese authorities and the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). However, the Financial Times noted that it could not independently verify these claims, which the White House believes pose a threat to US security.
An Alibaba spokesperson dismissed the allegations, describing the report as a “malicious PR operation” aimed at undermining the recent trade deal between the US and China. The company emphasized that the claims are entirely unfounded. Similarly, a spokesman for China’s embassy in the United States denied the allegations, stating that the Chinese government would never require companies or individuals to collect or provide data from foreign countries in violation of local laws.
The dispute highlights the ongoing tensions between Beijing and Washington, which are engaged in a competition for technological superiority. The US and China have been locked in a trade war, with US President Donald Trump recently reigniting the conflict. Although a temporary truce was agreed upon last month, concerns about China’s potential use of advanced technology for espionage purposes continue to grow.
Recently, a California-based artificial intelligence firm detected and disrupted a cyber-espionage campaign attributed to a Chinese state-sponsored group. This incident has added to the concerns in Washington about China’s use of technology for spying purposes. The Chinese foreign ministry has consistently stated that it opposes hacking activities, but the incident has raised questions about the extent of China’s involvement in cyber-espionage.
The allegations against Alibaba and the reported cyber-espionage campaign have significant implications for the ongoing trade negotiations between the US and China. As the two countries continue to navigate their complex relationship, the issue of technological security is likely to remain a major point of contention. With the US and China competing for dominance in the tech industry, the accuracy of these allegations and the response of both countries will be closely watched by the international community.