China on Friday announced sanctions against 20 U.S. defense-related companies and 10 executives, following Washington’s announcement of a large-scale arms sale to Taiwan valued at over $10 billion.
According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, the sanctions include freezing the assets of the companies in China and banning Chinese organizations and individuals from conducting business with them. The measures also bar the sanctioned executives from entering China.
Among the targeted companies are Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation, L3Harris Maritime Services, and Boeing’s St. Louis branch, according to news agencies
Notable individuals on the list include Palmer Luckey, founder of defense firm Anduril Industries. Their assets in China have been frozen, and they are prohibited from conducting any business in the country.
The ministry’s statement emphasized that “the Taiwan question is at the very core of China’s core interests and the first red line that must not be crossed in China–U.S. relations.
Any company or individual who engages in arms sales to Taiwan will pay the price for the wrongdoing.” It also urged the U.S. to halt what it described as “dangerous moves of arming Taiwan.”
Taiwan remains a major flashpoint in U.S.-China relations, with analysts warning that tensions over arms sales could escalate into military conflict.
Beijing has increased its military presence in Taiwan’s airspace and waters, conducting frequent drills with warships and fighter jets.
Meanwhile, U.S. federal law obliges Washington to assist Taiwan in its self-defense, a policy that continues to heighten tensions with China amid ongoing disputes over trade, technology, and human rights issues.
