Politics China punishes 13 US defense companies for Taiwan arms shipments
Following the latest arms deal between the USA and Taiwan, China has imposed sanctions on 13 US arms companies.
05.12.2024, 12:59
SDA
According to a list published by the Chinese Foreign Ministry, the measures are aimed at companies that are active in areas such as air defense, drones and artificial intelligence for military purposes. The companies are therefore no longer allowed to do business with Chinese partners. In addition, assets located in China would be frozen.
The reaction is the latest in a series of sanctions that Beijing has imposed on US arms companies in recent years due to arms sales to Taiwan. However, the measures are always seen as rather symbolic, as the companies concerned generally do little or no business in China.
Managers banned from entering the country
According to the State Department's announcement, the assets of six executives of US defense companies would also be frozen, including senior executives of Raytheon, now known as RTX, one of the largest US defense companies.
The US justifies arms deliveries to Taiwan by citing China's increasing pressure on the island republic. The most recent approval at the end of November included spare parts and equipment for F-16 fighter jets as well as radar systems worth an estimated 385 million US dollars.
China considers the democratically governed island to be part of the People's Republic and has repeatedly threatened to invade. Taiwan, on the other hand, considers itself independent.
