White House claims Alibaba is helping Chinese military target the U.S.

Core Viewpoint - Alibaba is allegedly providing technological support to the Chinese military for operations targeting the United States, as reported by the Financial Times, citing a national security memo circulating within the White House [1][2]. Group 1: Allegations Against Alibaba - The report claims that Alibaba supplies the People's Liberation Army with access to sensitive customer data, including IP addresses, Wi-Fi information, and payment records, along with AI-related services [2]. - It is alleged that employees of Alibaba have transferred knowledge regarding zero-day cyber exploits to the Chinese military [2]. Group 2: Alibaba's Response - Alibaba has denied these allegations, stating that the claims are based on leaked US intelligence and are "complete nonsense" [3]. - The company argues that the report is an attempt to manipulate public opinion and malign its reputation [4]. Group 3: Context of Chinese Law - Chinese law mandates that companies must share information with the government upon request, which has led to skepticism among US officials regarding Chinese firms that handle large amounts of American data [4]. - This legal framework has been in place since 2017, contributing to ongoing concerns about data security and privacy [4]. Group 4: Broader Implications - The situation reflects ongoing debates regarding other Chinese-owned firms, such as TikTok, and their operations in the US, highlighting fears about potential propaganda opportunities for the Chinese government [5]. - The US administration's efforts to negotiate a deal with TikTok have faced challenges, with the Chinese side remaining non-committal despite US assertions that a deal is likely [6].