China on Wednesday imposed sanctions on U.S. defense companies over military equipment sales to Taiwan. The moves come as China continues to increase pressure on Taiwan and demands that Washington stop supporting its declarations of independence.
2 min
With our correspondent in Beijing, Clea Broadhurst
The Chinese Foreign Ministry announced on Wednesday, September 18, sanctions against nine American defense companies, including major players such as Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin, for their involvement in arms sales to Taiwan.
These sanctions involve the freezing of the assets of these companies in Chinawhich prohibits them from doing business in the country. Two days before this announcement, the U.S. State Department had approved the possible sale to the Taiwanese military of spare parts worth about $228 million.
Beijing considers this type of agreement as an attack on its sovereignty and a violation of the policy of the ” Unique China »The arms sales include advanced missile defense systems that China says threaten regional stability and peace. By sanctioning companies involved in these deals, Beijing is sending a message that such transactions will have diplomatic and economic consequences.
Arms sales to Taipei remain a major point of tension in relations between Beijing and Washington. The Middle Kingdom is not budging, the status of the island is ” the first red line not to be crossed in relations between the UNITED STATES and China “.
On the relations between the two powers, the number two in American diplomacy also estimated this Wednesday that China represents the ” biggest challenge ” of the history of the United States. ” Frankly, the Cold War pales in comparison to the multifaceted challenge that China poses. “, he told parliamentarians. It’s not just a military issue, it’s across the board. It’s in the Global South, it’s about technology. We need to increase our efforts across the board. “.
Also read and listenIn Taiwan, a first aid exercise focused on natural disasters and China