The powerhouse in tech and entertainment from China, Tencent, recently expressed its intent to possibly pursue legal action against the United States. This comes after the company was added to a roster of military-associated firms.
In a statement directed at investors, Tencent made it clear that it stands independent from any military affiliations with China. The company is confident that its inclusion on the Chinese Military Companies (CMC) list is an error.
“Our company is neither involved with the Chinese military nor contributes to military-civil integration within China’s defense industry,” stated Ma Huateng, the chair of the board. “We believe our addition to the CMC List is simply a mistake.”
Ma Huateng further explained, “The CMC List is distinct from other U.S. Government lists intended for sanctions or export controls, as it solely pertains to U.S. defense procurement and doesn’t impact our business operations.”
Tencent plans to initiate a Reconsideration Process with the aim of rectifying this situation. This process involves engaging in dialogue with the U.S. Department of Defense to iron out any misunderstandings. And, if necessary, the company is prepared to take legal steps to ensure its removal from the CMC List. Rest assured, further updates will follow, announced Ma Huateng, as and when suitable.
