US government adds ChemChina to ‘military companies’ list

London – The US department of defence (DoD) has added ChemChina to the list of “Chinese military companies operating directly or indirectly in the US,” the DoD announced 5 Oct.

The new list is an expanded version of the initial one released in June 2021 under “Section 1260H of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021.”

The Pentagon said the aim was to highlight and counter China’s ‘military-civil fusion strategy’ – though its statement did not elaborate on actual or potentail restrictions imposed on listed companies.

The 'military-civil fusion strategy', the Pentagon explained, gives Chinese military access to advanced technologies and expertise developed by Chinese companies, universities, and research programmes “that appear to be civilian entities.”

ChemChina is a state-owned company with a strong portfolio of rubber products, encompassing tires – including a 45% stake in Pirelli – rubber goods and machinery.