In response to the recent US arms sale deal with Taiwan, China has declared new sanctions against five American defense companies, SCMP.com reported.
The Chinese foreign ministry announced on Sunday that the targeted firms include BAE Systems Land and Armament, Alliant Techsystems Operations, AeroVironment, Viasat, and Data Link Solutions. According to China’s Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law, Chinese entities and individuals are prohibited from engaging in business with these companies, and their assets in China will be frozen.
The decision is a reaction to what China considers “gravely wrong actions” by the United States, as stated by the ministry.
China contends that the latest arms sales and sanctions have seriously undermined its sovereignty and security interests, disrupted peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, and violated the legitimate rights of Chinese companies and individuals.
The ministry called on the US to adhere to the one-China principle, cease arming Taiwan, and halt the imposition of illegal unilateral sanctions against China, warning of a strong and resolute response if such actions persist.
This move comes after the US approved a $300 million deal in mid-December to upgrade Taiwan’s tactical information system, focusing on the command, control, communications, and computers (C4) capabilities.
The Pentagon justified the deal as essential for enhancing Taiwan’s operational readiness and sustaining secure information flow amid current and future threats.
While China did not specify the particular US sanctions prompting its countermeasures, the US had previously imposed sanctions on over 250 individuals and entities, including some in China, for allegedly aiding Russia in evading sanctions related to the conflict in Ukraine.
In November, the US had also sanctioned 130 entities, including three in China, for allegedly supplying Moscow with critical dual-use goods for its weapons systems.
This development is reminiscent of China’s past sanctions against US companies like Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin units, which were targeted over previous weapons sales to Taiwan.
