China sanctions U.S. firms over Taiwan arms sales
Photo: China introduced sanctions against US military equipment manufacturers (GettyImages)
China has imposed sanctions on five American military technology manufacturers due to the recent sale of weapons to Taiwan, according to China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Among the companies facing sanctions are: BAE Systems Land and Armament, Alliant Techsystems Operation, AeroVironment, ViaSat, and Data Link Solutions.
According to a statement from the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the assets of these companies within the People's Republic of China will be frozen. Chinese organizations and individuals are also prohibited from conducting operations and cooperating with them.
The spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the recent arms sales "seriously harms China's sovereignty and security interests, seriously undermines peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait."
It's worth noting that last month, the U.S. State Department approved the sale of military equipment worth $300 million to support Taiwan's tactical information systems.
Taiwan-China conflict
Beijing regards Taiwan as a "separatist province" and seeks to regain full control over it. However, Taiwan considers itself an independent state with a separate economy and democratically elected leaders.
The United States provides military assistance to Taiwan, leading to increased tensions between Washington and Beijing.
Recently, Taiwan reported a resumption of Chinese military activity near the island. Nine Chinese aircraft and several ships crossed the middle of the strait, serving as a symbolic boundary.
In late December, Chinese leader Xi Jinping declared the inevitable "reunification" of Taiwan with mainland China and pledged to resolutely resist any attempts to "separate" the island from the PRC.
In response, Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen stated that her country's relations with China should be determined by the will of the people, and the world should be based on "dignity."
