Pentagon Removes WuXi AppTec From 'Chinese Military Companies' List, Complying With Court Injunction While Reserving the Right to Relist
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Defense announced in a Federal Register notice on November 9 that it has removed Chinese biopharmaceutical outsourcing company WuXi AppTec from the list of 'Chinese military companies' maintained under Section 1260H. The notice, issued by the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, said the removal complies with an August 7 order by the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, which granted WuXi AppTec's motion for a preliminary injunction barring the department from enforcing or giving effect to the designation.
The Pentagon had expanded the list to 188 entities on June 8, newly designating WuXi AppTec as a 'Chinese military company.' WuXi AppTec sued in federal court in Washington on June 11, arguing the designation was unlawful and had inflicted substantial reputational, commercial and operational harm; the court granted the preliminary injunction in August, suspending enforcement while the case proceeds.
The department added that the delisting is 'without prejudice to relisting the company on additional or supplementary grounds.' WuXi AppTec has disclosed the development in a filing with the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.
The risk has not fully receded. General Counsel Howard Wu said on an earnings call last month that the company could still be named a 'biotechnology company of concern' under the BIOSECURE Act by the Office of Management and Budget, whose list is expected by the end of 2026; he said the company is not aware of any proposed designation or notice so far.
Headquartered in China, WuXi AppTec provides research, development and manufacturing services to drugmakers worldwide and operates facilities in the United States. The merits phase of its lawsuit is still pending. (Source: U.S. Department of Defense)
Source: U.S. Department of Defense
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：五角大楼航拍（资料图），本站档案图复用。 / Photo: Aerial view of the Pentagon (file photo), GSM archive image reused.
