HONG KONG — The U.S. Defense Department has added dozens of Chinese companies, including games and technology company Tencent, artificial intelligence firm SenseTime and the world’s biggest battery maker, CATL, to a list of companies it says have ties to China’s military, prompting some to protest and say they will seek to have the decision reversed.

In recent years, Washington has sought to restrict sharing of advanced technology, including semiconductors and AI, deeming it to be a threat to national security.

The Pentagon updates its list of “Chinese Military Companies” annually. The latest revision includes 134 companies. The Defense Department is banned from dealing with the newly designated companies beginning in June 2026. — Associated Press