China has imposed sanctions on a group of United States defence companies and individuals in response to Washington’s latest arms sales to Taiwan, escalating tensions over an issue Beijing describes as a core national interest.
The measures were announced by China’s foreign ministry on December 26 and target 20 US defence firms and 10 individuals linked to arms sales to the self-governed island.
Who has China sanctioned and what do the measures include?
According to China’s foreign ministry, the sanctions apply to 20 US defence companies, including Boeing’s St. Louis branch, Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation, and L3Harris Maritime Services. The list also includes Anduril Industries, whose founder is among the individuals targeted.
The measures freeze any assets held by the sanctioned companies and individuals within China and prohibit Chinese organisations and citizens from engaging in business dealings with them. The 10 individuals named are also barred from entering China.
The foreign ministry said the individuals include the founder of Anduril Industries and nine senior executives from the sanctioned firms.
What prompted the sanctions?
The move follows the United States’ announcement last week of an $11.1 billion arms package for Taiwan, described as the largest-ever US weapons sale to the island. Beijing has repeatedly opposed such transfers, arguing that they undermine China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
China views Taiwan as part of its territory, a claim rejected by the government in Taipei, which says the island is self-governed.
What did China say about the Taiwan issue?
In a statement, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said the Taiwan issue represents “the core of China’s core interests” and described it as the first red line that cannot be crossed in China–US relations.
“Any provocative actions that cross the line on the Taiwan issue will be met with a strong response from China,” the spokesperson said, urging Washington to halt what it called “dangerous” efforts to arm the island.
How has the United States justified arms sales to Taiwan?
The United States is legally bound to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself, under legislation that governs unofficial relations with the island. US arms sales to Taiwan have long been a source of friction with Beijing, particularly as military tensions in the Taiwan Strait have increased in recent years.
At the time of reporting, there was no immediate response from the US government or the affected companies regarding the sanctions.