China sanctions military firms, executives over US weapons to Taiwan
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The sanctions will freeze the assets of the companies and executives in China and prohibit organizations and individuals in China from trading with or collaborating with them.
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An American flag flies in front of the facade of Raytheon's Integrated Defense Systems facility, in Woburn, Mass on June 10, 2019. (AP)
The Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Friday that China sanctioned seven military-industrial companies and related senior executives over US arms assistance and sales to Taiwan.
The ministry's statement lists Boeing subsidiary Insitu Inc., RTX Inc.'s Raytheon Canada, Raytheon Australia, and Hudson Technologies Co. among the companies involved.
The US recently approved $571.3 million in defense support for Taiwan, following the approval of arms sales valued at approximately $385 million.
China considers self-ruled Taiwan as part of its territory and has never ruled out the use of force to bring the island under its control. Taiwan vehemently rejects China's sovereignty claims, asserting that only its people have the right to determine their future.
The sanctions will freeze the assets of the companies and executives in China and prohibit organizations and individuals in China from trading with or collaborating with them, according to the ministry.
A ministry spokesperson stated in a regular press briefing on Friday that the US move "seriously undermines China's sovereignty and territorial integrity."
China has urged the US to adhere to the one-China principle and cease arming Taiwan, with spokesperson Mao Ning stating that Beijing will "take all necessary measures" to protect its security and interests.
China sanctions 13 US defense firms over Taiwan arms deal
Earlier this month, China imposed sanctions on over a dozen US defense firms and several American defense industry executives in response to the Biden administration's recent approval of a $387 million arms package for Taiwan.
The US package reportedly includes spare parts for fighter jets, missile systems, and other military equipment essential for maintaining Taiwan's defense capabilities.
The news sparked sharp criticism from Beijing, which considers the island an integral part of its territory.
In a statement, China's Foreign Ministry accused the US of "seriously damaging China's sovereignty and territorial integrity" through its continued arms sales to Taiwan.
The sanctions target 13 US companies, including drone manufacturers RapidFlight and BRINC Drones, as well as six individuals, such as Barbara Borgonovi, president of Naval Power at Raytheon, and Blake Resnick, the founder and CEO of BRINC Drones.
