China sanctions five US arms manufacturers over Taiwan weapons sales

China has announced sanctions against five US arms manufacturers in reaction to weapons sales to Taiwan and US sanctions on Chinese companies and individuals.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a statement posted online on Sunday that the sanctions will freeze any property the companies have in China and prohibit organizations and individuals in China from doing business with them.

“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 statement said.

The statement added that US moves against Beijing harmed China’s sovereignty and security interests, undermined peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, and violated the rights and interests of Chinese companies and individuals.

The companies are BAE Systems Land and Armament, Alliant Techsystems Operation, AeroVironment, ViaSat, and Data Link Solutions.

China has sovereignty over Chinese Taipei – also known as Taiwan. Virtually all states recognize that sovereignty under the internationally recognized one-China policy. It means states would not establish diplomatic contact with the secessionist government in Taipei.

However, Washington, which also recognizes that sovereignty, has long courted Taipei in an attempt to unnerve Beijing.

Washington, which backs Taipei’s secessionist president, also infuriates Beijing by selling weapons to the self-governed island in violation of its official policy.

Beijing has time and again warned against any official exchanges between Washington and Chinese Taipei, including the provision of military assistance to the island.

It has urged the US to abide by the “one-China principle” and stop arming Taiwan and fanning the flames of tensions in the region.

However, last month, the US State Department approved a $300m arms package to strengthen Taipei’s joint battle command and control system. It prompted Beijing to say it would take “countermeasures” against the companies involved.

The move came ahead of Taiwan’s presidential and parliamentary elections, which will be held On January 13.

Tsai Ing-wen, the president of Taiwan, comes from the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). By tradition, the DPP advocates independence for the island.

Beijing has repeatedly warned it will use force, if necessary, to add Taiwan to China’s mainland. President Xi Jinping has been articulate about that matter.

“We will, as always, take all necessary measures to resolutely defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson Wu Qian said at a monthly news conference in Beijing in late December.

MG