China to punish firms involved in arms sales to Taiwan

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ISTANBUL (AA) – China on Monday said it will punish firms involved in arms sales to Taiwan.

Beijing "will act resolutely to safeguard our sovereignty and territorial integrity," said Wang Wenbin, spokesman of China’s Foreign Ministry.

He said China will take countermeasures against the companies involved in arms sales to Taiwan, according to the ministry.

​​​​​​​The US Friday approved $300M worth equipment to help maintain Taiwan’s tactical information systems.

Meanwhile, Taiwan's Defense Ministry said it detected on Sunday two balloons of China.

The balloons crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait, it said, adding that the balloons "headed east and disappeared" later in the day.

It is second time this month that the island nation said it detected Chinese balloon in the skies near Taiwan.

China, which considers Taiwan a breakaway province, does not recognize the median line or the air defense zone. Taipei, however, has insisted on its independence since 1949.