Tensions between the United States and China have escalated after Washington added two major Chinese companies to its list of entities connected to the Chinese military. The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) named tech giant Tencent,

The United States has labeled additional Chinese tech and social media firms as Beijing military companies, including multimedia firm Tencent and battery maker Contemporary Amperex Technology, better known as CATL.

The U.S. Defense Department has added major Chinese technology companies including gaming and technology company Tencent, artificial intelligence firm SenseTime and the world’s biggest battery maker CATL to its list of companies it says have ties to China’s military.

While the designation currently imposes no direct sanctions, it does intend to warn US companies about potential security risks in collaborating with firms.

The Pentagon has added five Chinese companies including Shenzhen-based tech giant Tencent and the world's biggest battery maker CATL to a list of mainland firms that Washington believes pose threats to US national security.

The United States has added Tencent, a leading Chinese technology conglomerate, to its list of firms accused of having ties to China’s military. This move has prompted South Korean game developers, many of whom have received investments from Tencent to access the Chinese market,