China imposes sanctions on five western military companies over US‑Taiwan weapon deal
The sanctioned western defense companies are seen as a reaction to the actions of the US State Department, which greenlit the sale of arms and technology worth $300 million to Taiwan in December. China is calling these sanctions a "response to the American's glaringly erroneous actions," we read.
12:21 PM EST, January 8, 2024
Taiwan is viewed by Beijing as a rogue province and they maintain that the sale of arms to this territory "significantly compromises its sovereignty and security and destabilizes peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait".
Sanctions have been handed down to companies including BAE Systems Land & Armament, Alliant Techsystems Operation, AeroVironment, ViaSat, and Data Link Solutions. China plans to freeze these companies' assets and forbid its citizens and organizations from collaborating or interacting with them, according to the data provided by the BBC.
China intensifies pressure on Taiwan
China considers Taiwan as a secessionist province, intended to be reintegrated into the mainland. Meanwhile, these sanctions on the companies are a part of the strategy to amplify pressure on Taiwan before the parliamentary and presidential elections on the island, dated for January 13.
The election outcomes could influence the relations between the island and China, especially considering the rising popularity of candidates and parties loudly advocating for the affirmation of Taiwan's independence. In his annual New Year's Eve speech, Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized that Taiwan "will unquestionably be reunified."
An ETtoday poll placed DPP candidate Lai Ching-te, the current vice president, in the lead with 38.9 percent of votes since the start of the election campaign.
Election proceedings in Taiwan vary from those conducted, for instance, in Poland or the United States. The candidate with the most votes in the first round emerges victoriously, which means no requirement for gaining 50 percent support.
