China has sanctioned 20 US defence firms and 10 executives following the US State Department's approval of a record $11.1 billion weapons package for Taiwan. Beijing's foreign ministry stated the package violates the one-China principle and interferes in China's internal affairs. The ministry pledged to take resolute measures to defend national sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity.
Beijing's foreign ministry announced sanctions against 20 US defence firms and 10 industry executives for their role in arming Taiwan. The punitive measures come in response to Washington's unveiling of a record $11.1 billion weapons package.
On December 17, the US State Department approved the sale, which reportedly marks the largest in Taiwan's history and includes howitzers, drones, and medium-range missiles. The package still requires approval from the US Congress.
The ministry stated that the companies and executives had been sanctioned for their involvement and pledged to continue with “resolute and forceful measures to steadfastly defend national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity”. It added that the package “seriously violates the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiques, interferes in China’s internal affairs, and undermines China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity”.
The action underscores ongoing tensions between China and the US over Taiwan, which Beijing regards as an inseparable part of its territory, while Washington supports the island's defence through arms sales.
