China sanctions US firms over Taiwan arms deals

By Anadolu staff

China on Friday imposed sanctions on seven US military companies and their senior executives over arms sales to Taiwan, which Beijing considers its “breakaway province.”

In a statement, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said Washington's recent announcement of substantial military assistance and arms sales to Taiwan violated the one-China principle and the three China-US Joint Communiques.

The sanctioned companies include Insitu, Inc., Hudson Technologies Co., Saronic Technologies, Inc., Raytheon Canada, Raytheon Australia, Aerkomm Inc., and Oceaneering International, Inc., along with their senior executives.

“These seriously violate the one-China principle and the three China-U.S. Joint Communiques, interfere in China’s internal affairs, and undermine China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” said the ministry.

Beijing has frozen movable and immovable properties and assets of these companies inside China and barred all organizations and individuals within China from engaging in transactions, cooperation, or other activities with them.

The sanctions took effect on Friday.

On Dec. 5, China imposed sanctions on at least 13 American defense firms and six executives over arms sales to Taiwan.

Last week, the White House announced military assistance worth $571.3 million and approved $295 million in arms sales to Taiwan.

Earlier this month, the US also approved $385 million in arms sales to Taiwan.