Chinese genetic sequencing firm Novogene sues Pentagon over military blacklist

Chinese genetic sequencing company Novogene has taken the US Department of Defence to court, challenging its inclusion on a Pentagon list of firms accused of supporting China's military.The lawsuit was filed late Tuesday in a US District Court in Washington. Novogene is seeking to overturn its designation, arguing that the decision is unlawful and has damaged its business and reputation.The Pentagon added Novogene to its list of "Chinese military companies" in June, alongside e-commerce giant Alibaba, search engine operator Baidu and carmakers BYD and NIO.

The designation prevents the US Defence Department from entering into direct contracts with these companies.Novogene has pointed out that its US subsidiary employs around 180 people at its Sacramento office and sequencing facilities in Sacramento, California, and Beaverton, Oregon. It has denied having any military links, stating in its lawsuit that "Novogene does not design, develop, or market products for military use".