Post by : Raina
Al-Fahim
Washington, Nov 15, 2025: Recent allegations from the White House claim that Alibaba, the renowned Chinese tech firm, has been supplying the People's Liberation Army (PLA) with sensitive information, AI resources, and cyber capabilities that could jeopardize U.S. national security, according to a memo cited by the Financial Times.
The memo asserts that Alibaba has granted access to military personnel to customer data, AI-integrated services, Internet Protocol (IP) addresses, WiFi details, and insights regarding software vulnerabilities. U.S. officials express that such facilitation poses a risk for cyber operations targeting the U.S., reflecting escalating worries regarding the military affiliations of Chinese technology companies.
“We are treating these threats with utmost seriousness,” said a U.S. official, highlighting that efforts are underway to mitigate potential cyber threats emanating from tech suppliers linked to foreign militaries.
Sources familiar with the memo report that certain Alibaba employees may have shared undisclosed software flaws with the PLA, potentially improving their cyber warfare strategies. Although awaiting thorough verification of the memo’s claims, U.S. authorities recognize a trend that aligns with broader concerns about the cybersecurity implications of Chinese cloud and AI firms.
In response, Alibaba has categorically denied the allegations. “The claims made are entirely unfounded,” the company stated, calling the article’s contents a “malicious PR campaign” aimed at sabotaging recent U.S.-China trade agreements.
China's embassy in Washington voiced similar sentiments, condemning the accusations as a “total misrepresentation” and cautioned that such assertions are “extremely imprudent.” Spokesperson Liu Pengyu remarked, “Without valid evidence, the U.S. has leapt to unjustifiable conclusions. China firmly rejects these baseless claims.”
The White House chose not to comment on the memo. Meanwhile, lawmakers in Washington are reportedly advocating for stricter measures against Chinese tech companies in light of intensifying cybersecurity concerns and management of sensitive technologies.
This issue arises amid growing worries regarding AI and cloud technologies, as U.S. authorities seek to assess the foreign access to crucial data and any associated military connections. Experts warn that if proven true, these allegations could have significant repercussions on U.S.-China diplomatic relations and global technology partnerships.
Additionally, analysts point out that these accusations illuminate a serious challenge in international cybersecurity: the ambiguity between commercial tech advancements and their military applications. “The dual-use nature of technologies like AI, cloud services, and software vulnerabilities presents increasing risks. The Alibaba case emphasizes the necessity for vigilant regulation of foreign tech firms operating at a global scale,” remarked cybersecurity expert Dr. Eleanor Matthews.
As this narrative develops, the spotlight remains on Alibaba, U.S. regulatory responses, and the overarching geopolitical ramifications of AI and cybersecurity issues. It’s anticipated that lawmakers will deliberate potential constraints on Chinese tech corporations, which may include services related to cloud computing, collaborations in AI research, and transnational data exchange.
This controversy further complicates U.S.-China relations, surfacing just weeks following renewed trade discussions intended to alleviate tensions. For the time being, Alibaba stands firm in its denial, while U.S. officials and legislators continue to assess the national security ramifications posed by one of China’s leading technology entities.
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