China sanctions five US defense firms in response to arms sales to Taiwan

Asia-Pacific, News, US January 10, 2024 , by IRIA No Comments

China has sanctioned five U.S.-based defense-related companies in response to the U.S.’s arms sales to Taiwan and reciprocate the U.S. sanctions, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson announced.

Under the sanctions imposed by Beijing, all the assets in China owned by the companies and associated with the sanctioned firms have been frozen. China has also prohibited all five organizations and their associated individuals from engaging in business transactions, as stated by the Foreign Ministry in an online announcement.

The sanctioned companies include a subsidiary of BAE Systems, the BAE Systems Land and Armament, Alliant Techsystems Operation, AeroVironment, ViaSat, and Data Link Solutions. “The Chinese government remains unwavering in our resolve to safeguard national sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity and protect the lawful rights and interests of Chinese companies and citizens,” the ministry statement said.

The statement was issued just under a week before the upcoming presidential election in Taiwan, a contest primarily focused on the government’s approach to its relationship with China. Beijing asserts territorial claims over the self-governing island, insisting on its submission to Chinese rule.

“I would like to stress that the Chinese government remains unwavering in our resolve to safeguard national sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity and protect the lawful rights and interests of Chinese companies and citizens,” said the spokesperson.

The foreign ministry statement added that China urges the United States to abide by the one-China principle and the three China-U.S. joint communique, observe international law and the basic norms governing international relations, stop arming Taiwan, and stop targeting China with illegal unilateral sanctions, the spokesperson said, noting that “otherwise there will be a strong and resolute response from China.”

Taiwan Stinger missile launcher — *^{Taiwan Marines using dual-mounted Stinger (DMS) missile launcher. (Image Credit: Republic of China Navy)}*

While the Chinese Foreign Ministry did not explicitly identify the arms deal or U.S. sanctions prompting the actions, spokesperson Wang Wenbin had issued a caution three weeks earlier, indicating that China would take retaliatory measures following the U.S. government’s approval of a $300 million military package for Taiwan in December.

The United States is set to provide Taiwan with equipment, training, and support for equipment repair to bolster its command, control, and military communications capabilities. The U.S. justifies the sale by emphasizing its commitment to aiding the modernization of Taiwan’s armed forces and ensuring a robust defense posture, aiming to enhance operational readiness against current and future threats.

The announcement of U.S. weapons sale for Taiwan came amid ongoing military deployment by Chinese fighter planes and ships around Taiwan’s waters. According to U.S. officials, although an outright invasion seems unlikely at the moment, the persistent military activity serves as a constant reminder of the prevailing threat and underscores the strategic importance of maintaining a credible defense in the region.