Following the US State Department’s clearance of $300M in arms sales to Taiwan, the Chinese Foreign Ministry plans to penalize five US defense manufacturers. (Photo: Yahoo)
Chinese Foreign Ministry Announces Retaliatory Measures Against US Arms Sales
Following the US State Department’s clearance of $300M in arms sales to Taiwan, the Chinese Foreign Ministry plans to penalize five US defense manufacturers. The current statement is part of retaliation for US arms sales to Taiwan, announced in December.
BAE Systems Land and Armament, Alliant Techsystems Operation, AeroVironment, ViaSat, and Data Link Solutions will be affected by the penalties. These enterprises’ Chinese assets and properties will be frozen, and Chinese organizations and individuals will be barred from doing business with them.
China views Taiwan, a self-governing island at the intersection of the East and South China Seas, as a renegade province, which Taiwan’s democratic government strongly rejects. The US and other nations have recognized Taiwan as an intrinsic part of China without expressly supporting or opposing Chinese sovereignty over Taiwan. US President Joe Biden has pledged to defend Taiwan from a Chinese invasion.
READ ALSO: China Eases Visa Restrictions For U.S. Tourists, Aiming To Revive Tourism
China considers US weaponry supplies to Taiwan a clear violation of “One China” A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said US arms sales and sanctions harm China’s sovereignty and security, disrupt Taiwan Strait peace and stability, and violate Chinese companies’ and individuals’ legitimate rights and interests.
The Chinese penalties will freeze the properties and assets of US defense firms in China and bar Chinese organizations and individuals from doing business with them. This step escalates China’s retaliation to US arms supplies to Taiwan and highlights US-China-Taiwan tensions.
READ ALSO: Chinese Parent Firm Scrubs Website After Revelation Of Communist Party And Military Ties
