China will impose sanctions on 5 US companies for arms sales to Taiwan.
In a written statement made by the Chinese Foreign Ministry, it was stated that the sale of arms to the Taiwan region violates the principle of "one China" and contradicts the Three Joint Declarations that form the basis of diplomatic relations with the US.
In the statement, it was noted that China has decided to sanction 5 American defense industry companies named BAE Systems Land and Armament, Alliant Techsystems Operation, AeroVironment, ViaSat and Data Link Solutions in accordance with the Foreign Sanctions Law.
Within the scope of the investment, the companies in question will be banned from transferring money and cooperating with institutions and individuals in China, while their movable and immovable assets in China will be frozen.
The Beijing administration announced that it would impose sanctions on US defense industry companies Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman, the suppliers of this equipment, after Washington approved the sale of $ 500 million F-16 infrared search tracking system and related equipment to Taiwan on August 24, 2023.
On December 16, 2023, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced on December 16, 2023 that Taiwan would receive $300 million worth of permanent procurement and hardware support to maintain its Command, Control, Communications and Computers (C4) capacity.
Following the decision, the Chinese Foreign Ministry warned that measures would be taken against companies providing military support to Taiwan.
The new sanctions target supplier companies under this program.
Taiwan, which China claims as part of its territory, has enjoyed de facto independence since 1949, when the People's Republic of China was established. The separation between mainland China and Taiwan, which emerged after the civil war, is still ongoing.
Beijing emphasizes the "one China" principle and opposes arms sales to Taiwan by countries that recognize it.
