China’s foreign ministry announced on Wednesday that it has imposed countermeasures against nine U.S. military-linked companies in response to U.S. arms sales to Taiwan. The measures, which include property freezes and transaction bans, took effect immediately.
Targeted Firms in China’s Sanctions
Among the affected companies are Sierra Nevada Corporation and Stick Rudder Enterprises LLC. The Chinese foreign ministry’s statement confirmed that any property these firms hold within China would be frozen. Furthermore, organisations and individuals within China are now prohibited from engaging in any transactions with the targeted companies.
These actions are part of China’s ongoing efforts to counter U.S. military support to Taiwan, which China views as a violation of its sovereignty. The sanctions reflect growing tensions between the two countries, particularly regarding the sensitive issue of Taiwan’s defence.
Response to U.S.-Taiwan Relations
The countermeasures come in direct response to recent U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, a self-governing island that China considers part of its territory. The U.S. maintains its stance of supporting Taiwan’s defence capabilities through arms sales, a position that has frequently led to diplomatic friction with Beijing.
China has long opposed any foreign military support to Taiwan and has used economic and diplomatic measures to express its discontent. These sanctions mark a continued escalation in the strained relations between the U.S. and China, especially concerning Taiwan’s defence.
(With Inputs from Reuters)
