BEIJING: China on Friday imposed sanctions on seven US companies following Washington’s approval of a $571.3 million military aid package to Taiwan, a move that Beijing claims infringes on its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Last Friday, US President Joe Biden authorized the drawdown of up to $571.3 million in defense assistance for Taiwan, a self-ruled island that China views as its own territory.
China’s foreign ministry announced the sanctions, stating that Washington’s actions “interfere in China’s internal affairs and undermine China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.” The statement also criticized the US’s 2025 defense budget, which includes a security cooperation initiative with Taiwan and calls for strengthened defense industrial cooperation with Taipei.
As part of the sanctions, China will freeze the Chinese assets of US defense companies Insitu, Hudson Technologies, Saronic Technologies, Aerkomm, and Oceaneering International, as well as the Canadian and Australian subsidiaries of Raytheon, the ministry said. The sanctions, effective Friday, also prohibit these companies from conducting business with organizations and individuals inside China.
While the United States does not officially recognize Taiwan diplomatically, it remains the island’s strategic ally and largest supplier of weapons. China, which has threatened to use force to bring Taiwan under its control if necessary, has ramped up pressure on the island in recent years. It has conducted three major rounds of military drills since Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te took office in May.
Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning warned that the United States’ support for Taiwan “will only burn itself.” She emphasized that “China will continue to take all necessary measures to firmly defend its sovereignty, security, and development interests” during a press conference on Friday.
This announcement follows earlier sanctions this month against 13 US firms for selling arms to Taiwan.