China hits back with sanctions on 13 US arms firms
The Chinese authorities have imposed sanctions on American arms companies and their representatives. This move is a response to Washington's approval of the Taiwanese president's entry into U.S. territory and the sale of American weapons to Taipei. The restrictions affect 13 companies.
![China imposed sanctions on American companies [in the photo: Chinese leader Xi Jinping and U.S. President Joe Biden].](https://v.wpimg.pl/YWViZjJhdjY3CyxZZRN7I3RTeAMjSnV1I0tgSGVea24uWm9eZQ4wOzMbPxolRj4lIxk7HTpGKTt5CCoDZR5oeDIAKRomCSB4MwQ4Dy5HYWFjXmMIKwl0MjVZbUd-WW9mews_CX9FPTIzCjsPKA5rNjVceBc)
On November 29, the U.S. State Department agreed to sell Taiwan spare parts and components for F-16 multirole aircraft, radar systems, and similar equipment.
The next day, Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te began a trip to several countries and territories in the Pacific. He started in the U.S. state of Hawaii and then visited the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, and Palau. On Thursday, he is visiting Guam, a U.S. territory in the western Pacific Ocean.
In response, Beijing emphasized that both decisions "undermine the sovereignty and territorial integrity" of China. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that 13 American defense entities and representatives of these firms are included in the sanctions. Executives from six of these companies have been banned from entering China and have had their assets frozen. Chinese companies and citizens are prohibited from engaging in any transactions with the sanctioned entities.
China considers Taiwan a rebellious province and protests against maintaining any formal contacts with Taipei.
Taiwan welcomes U.S. decision
Taiwanese authorities warmly welcomed the U.S. State Department's decision on Friday. The Ministry of Defense in Taipei expressed hope that the first transactions will be completed by the end of 2024. Washington's decision will also help maintain the readiness of Taiwan's F-16 fleet and "build dependable defense forces."
In November, American authorities announced they are considering selling Taiwan military equipment worth $2 billion. The package is expected to include advanced air defense missile systems used by Ukraine in its defensive war with Russia.
