US expands blacklist of Chinese military-linked firms, includes major tech and EV companies

The United States has issued an updated list of Chinese companies that it believes are aiding the country’s military, including E-Commerce giant Alibaba, search engine provider Baidu, and electric vehicle maker BYD.

The US Defense Department unveiled the designations just weeks after President Donald Trump met Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing, with both sides seeking to maintain stability in the bilateral relationship.

The latest release could fan tensions between the world’s two biggest economies.

The long-awaited update released on Monday supersedes a list from early 2025, and comes less than a month after Trump met Xi Jinping in Beijing, where the two leaders maintained a delicate trade-war truce.

The list now includes a broad swathe of China’s top technology firms key to advancing Beijing’s military and industrial prowess, reflecting Washington’s security concerns amid intense geopolitical competition between the countries.

The designations do not impose sanctions explicitly, but mean the Defense Department will be prohibited from contracting directly with listed companies starting later this month, and from procuring their products or services through third parties beginning in 2027.

Interestingly, the White House has made a significant leap, as the blacklist for 2025 included only 134 companies from China.

Among the well-known and popular companies on the list are TP-Link and Huawei.

Reference Sources

1. malaymail - US expands blacklist of Chinese military-linked firms, includes major tech and EV companies
2. theguardian - BYD and Alibaba among big names aiding Chinas military, Pentagon says
3. newsukraine - US blacklists BYD, Baidu, and AliExpress owner in major China crackdown
4. cnbc - Pentagon expands list of China military-linked firms to include Alibaba, Baidu in fresh blow to diplomatic thaw
5. malaymail - Beijing condemns US move to blacklist Alibaba, Baidu and other Chinese firms

Apple reveals long-delayed Siri AI makeover at Worldwide Developers Conference

Apple unveiled a major AI-Powered overhaul of its Siri voice assistant at its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) on Monday.

The upgraded Siri AI, powered by an AI model that Apple developed in partnership with Google, was the centerpiece of the conference. executives said the voice assistant will be far more capable and conversational than the most recent version, which rolled out in 2011 and has received few upgrades since.

The company claims Siri AI has “ broad world knowledge ” and received a major boost in accuracy to its Voice-To-Text function, making it easier to dictate text messages and Emails.

It’s also capable of understanding photos and providing real-time responses based on them, in addition to its various “virtual assistant” features.

Analysts expect the iPhone maker to give updates on new AI features and capabilities, including developments with its Siri voice assistant. The World Wide Developers Conference, which attracts thousands of developers from some 60 countries to Apple’s Silicon Valley headquarters, usually focuses on software, in contrast to the fall unveiling of the latest iPhones.

Analysts expect the iPhone maker to give updates on new AI features and capabilities, including developments with its Siri voice assistant.

While hardware products are rarely launched at a developer show, we could see hints of Apple’s expansion into foldables, wearables, and smart home products by way of developer and Ecosystem updates.

Reference Sources

1. techcrunch - Apple plays catch-up at WWDC
2. cnbc - Apple shares reverse lower after big Siri news. Why we're not bothered
3. newyorkpost - Apple reveals long-delayed Siri AI makeover at Worldwide Developers Conference
4. thestarmy - Apple expected to unveil new AI features at last developers conference with Tim Cook
5. techcrunch - Apple’s long-awaited AI Siri overhaul is finally here

India's growth story faces its toughest test yet in Modi’s third term

India's growing reputation as an anti-artificial intelligence (AI) trade, combined with the economic strain of the prolonged conflict in the Middle East on the Indian economy, is leading to a record exodus of foreign investors from the country, according to experts.

While India remains strong by global standards, the economy is facing Headwinds from weaker consumption, fragile investment sentiment, higher energy costs, and more selective global capital.

Foreign portfolio investors have sold Indian equities worth $29.5 billion so far this year, after selling $18.9 billion last year. On the foreign direct investment front, India has attracted gross capital of over $90 billion on a 12-month trailing basis ending January 2026, up 13% Yoy.

However, this was eclipsed by higher repatriation of capital by foreign firms and a rise in overseas investment by Indian companies, taking net FDI to a "near all-time low." This has significantly weakened the Indian rupee against the dollar at a time when global oil prices are rising, creating a treacherous situation for India, which imports more than 85% of its crude requirements. As the shocks from the Middle East crisis get passed on to consumers, inflation is set to rise while growth is expected to slow, further narrowing India's appeal among global investors.

Reference Sources

1. cnbc - India's growth story faces its toughest test yet in Modi’s third term

The CommonWealth English daily news digest is a service curated by CommonWealth English team with the help of AI tools.  

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