China sanctions 20 American defence companies and 10 executives over arms sales to Taiwan
China imposed sanctions on 20 US defense-related companies and 10 executives, a week after Washington announced large-scale arms sales to Taiwan.
The sanctions include freezing companies’ assets in China and banning individuals and organizations from doing business with them, according to China’s foreign ministry.
“We once again emphasized that the Taiwan issue is at the center of China’s core interests and is the first red line in China-US relations that should not be crossed,” China’s foreign ministry said in a statement on Friday.
“Any company or individual who sells arms to Taiwan will pay the price for this mistake.”
The ministry also called on the United States to stop what it called “dangerous moves to arm Taiwan.”
FILE – A Switchblade 600 rogue missile drone manufactured by AeroVironment is displayed at the Eurosatory arms fair in Villepinte, north of Paris, June 14, 2022. – Michel Euler/Copyright 2022 AP. All rights reserved
The companies include Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation, L3Harris Maritime Services and St. While Boeing in St. Louis is involved, Palmer Luckey, founder of defense firm Anduril Industries, is one of the sanctioned executives who can no longer do business in China and is banned from entering the country.
Chinese assets were also frozen.
US arms sales to Taiwan 8.6 billion euros
The announcement of a US arms sales package worth more than $10 billion (8.6 billion euros) drew an angry reaction from China, which claims Taiwan as its own and says it should come under its control.
If approved by the American Congress, this would be the largest arms package to date for a US self-administered zone.
Relating to
The United States is obligated under federal law to assist Taiwan in self-defense; This is a point that has become increasingly controversial with China. Beijing has already strained ties with Washington over trade, technology and human rights.
The Chinese military has increased its presence in Taiwan’s skies and waters in the past few years, holding drills with warships and warplanes near the island almost daily.
