China Imposes Sanctions on 20 U.S. Defense Firms Over Taiwan Arms Sales
The Chinese Foreign Ministry announced on Friday that it has imposed sanctions on 20 American defense firms and 10 executives due to arms sales made to Taiwan. This move underscores the rising tensions between Beijing and Washington regarding the island.
The ministry's statement indicated that the sanctions are effective immediately. The companies targeted include major players such as:
• Northrop Grumman Systems
• L3 Harris Maritime Services
• Boeing in St. Louis
Other affected firms include:
Gibbs & Cox, Advanced Acoustic Concepts, Sierra Technical Services, Teledrones, Recon Craft, Blue Force Technologies, Dive Technologies, Rhombus Power Inc., and Lazarus Enterprises.
These sanctions follow the U.S. approval of an arms deal with Taiwan valued at 11.1 billion dollars, marking the largest arms sale in U.S. history to the island, which is facing heightened military pressure from China.
The Taiwanese Ministry of Defense has stated that the deal encompasses eight categories of weapons and military equipment, including:
• HIMARS missile systems
• Howitzer artillery
• Javelin anti-tank missiles
• Armed Altus drones
• Spare parts for various equipment.
The U.S. Department of Defense affirmed that the arms deal aligns with U.S. national, economic, and security interests by aiding Taiwan in modernizing its military and maintaining effective defense capabilities.
In contrast, the Chinese Foreign Ministry expressed strong discontent over the arms transactions, claiming they jeopardize peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and demanding an immediate cessation of such sales.
This arms sale to Taiwan marks the second during Donald Trump's presidency, illustrating the ongoing U.S. commitment to support the island despite persistent warnings from China.
