China bans government procurement from 46 US companies

China's Ministry of Finance announced on Monday that all government agencies have been barred from purchasing products manufactured by 46 United States companies.

According to a notice posted on the ministry's website, the list includes defense and aerospace manufacturer Lockheed Martin, Raytheon Missile Systems and the Axon and Summit Technologies-owned Dedrone drone firm.

The ban, effective immediately, applies to products manufactured by the 46 listed US companies, but does not apply to products manufactured by US-funded enterprises operating in China.

The procurement ban comes after the US Defense Department expanded its so‑called "Chinese military companies" list under what is known as Section 1260H of the National Defense Authorization Act. Major Chinese technology and manufacturing firms including tech giant Alibaba, electric vehicle maker BYD, battery producer CALB Group and robotics firm Unitree have been added to the list.