Beijing has imposed sanctions on multiple American defense companies and their executives in response to significant arms sales to Taiwan. The move, announced by the Chinese Foreign Ministry, targets 20 US defense firms and 10 senior executives, accusing them of undermining China’s security interests.
Among the companies sanctioned are the St. Louis branch of Boeing, Northrop Grumman Systems, and L3Harris Marine Services. The sanctions freeze any assets these entities and individuals may hold in China and prohibit domestic organizations and individuals from engaging in transactions with them.
The US State Department has voiced strong objections to China’s actions. A spokesperson stated that the US policy of providing Taiwan with the means to defend itself remains consistent across administrations and contributes to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.
“We strongly object to Beijing’s efforts to retaliate against US companies for supporting arms sales that support Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities,” the spokesperson said, urging Beijing to cease military, diplomatic, and economic pressure against Taiwan and engage in meaningful dialogue.
The sanctions follow Washington’s recent announcement of a $11.1 billion arms package for Taiwan, the largest such deal to date, which drew condemnation from Beijing. China views Taiwan as a breakaway province and opposes any foreign interference in what it considers an internal matter.
A spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry stated that the Taiwan issue is at the core of China’s core interests and represents the first red line that cannot be crossed in relations between Washington and Beijing.
The US maintains that its arms sales to Taiwan are consistent with its commitments under the Taiwan Relations Act, which requires the US to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself. However, these sales remain a point of contention between the two superpowers.
