The ruling means Alibaba will be able to retain US lobbyists who also represent Pentagon contractors. (EPA Images pic)WASHINGTON: A US federal judge on Monday granted Alibaba Group Holding's requests a preliminary injunction, ordering the US government not to deny Pentagon contracts to companies because they, their parent companies or subsidiaries do business with firms that engage in lobbying activities for the e-commerce giant.
Alibaba sued the US government in June after the Pentagon added it to a list of companies allegedly aiding China's military, alongside internet search provider Baidu, EV maker BYD, and other major Chinese manufacturing and technology firms.
Monday's ruling means Alibaba will be able to retain US lobbyists who also represent Pentagon contractors, removing a potential obstacle to the company's efforts to challenge its designation as a Chinese military company.
