China Sanctions US Defense Firms Over Taiwan Arms Deal
China has imposed sanctions on 20 U.S. defense companies and 10 executives in response to Washington’s $11.1 billion arms sale to Taiwan, Beijing’s largest arms transaction with the island to date. The move freezes assets in China and bars domestic entities from doing business with the targeted firms, according to the Chinese foreign ministry.
Boeing’s St. Louis branch, Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation, L3Harris Maritime Services, and other leading defense contractors are included. Individuals sanctioned include the founder of Anduril Industries and nine senior executives. These individuals are also banned from entering China.
A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson stated, The Taiwan issue is the core of China’s core interests and the first red line that cannot be crossed in China-U.S. relations. The statement emphasized any provocative actions crossing this line would receive a strong response.
The sanctions follow Washington’s announcement of the $11.1 billion package, which includes advanced aircraft, missile systems, and other defense equipment intended to strengthen Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities. U.S. law requires support for Taiwan’s defense, but these sales consistently provoke Beijing.
Analysts note the sanctions are largely symbolic, aimed at signaling Beijing’s opposition while limiting direct business interactions. Companies affected include some of the largest U.S. defense contractors with substantial global operations.
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