Tencent Added to US List of Firms with Alleged Ties to Chinese Military

In a recent development, Tencent has responded to the US Department of Defense's decision to add the company to a list of firms allegedly connected to the Chinese military. As of January 8, 2025, Tencent released a statement expressing its intention to initiate a reconsideration process, stating, "Tencent is neither a Chinese military company nor a contributor to the Chinese defense industrial base, and therefore believes its inclusion on the list is an error." The company plans to engage in discussions with the US Department of Defense to resolve any misunderstandings and will consider legal action if necessary to have its name removed from the list. Initially, on January 7, 2025, the US Department of Defense added Tencent to the list, prompting the company to deem its inclusion a mistake. A Tencent spokesperson clarified, "We are not a military company or supplier, and this listing has no impact on our business operations." The designation stems from a 2020 executive order by then-US President-elect Donald Trump, aimed at preventing US companies from investing in firms allegedly linked to the Chinese military. As a major player in the gaming industry, Tencent owns several notable game developers, including Riot Games and Funcom, and holds minority stakes in companies such as Epic Games and Remedy.