Taiwan has been modernising its military to face the threat posed by Beijing [Ann Wang/Reuters]
China sanctions five US arms manufacturers over Taiwan weapons sales
China has announced sanctions against five US arms manufacturers over weapons sales to Taiwan.
Beijing claims the self-ruled island as part of its territory and has not ruled out the use of force to achieve its goals, while the United States is required by law to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself.
The sanctions come ahead of Taiwan’s January 13 presidential and parliamentary elections, which China has claimed are a choice between war and peace.
Last month, the US State Department approved a $300m arms package to strengthen Taipei’s joint battle command and control system, prompting Beijing to say it would take unspecified “countermeasures” against the companies involved.
China’s Foreign Ministry on Sunday sanctioned the companies BAE Systems Land and Armament, Alliant Techsystems Operation, AeroVironment, ViaSat and Data Link Solutions.
READ ALSO:
“The countermeasures consist of freezing the properties of those companies in China, including their movable and immovable property, and prohibiting organisations and individuals in China from transactions and cooperation with them,” the ministry said in a statement.
“The US arms sales to China’s Taiwan region… seriously harm China’s sovereignty and security interests,” it added.
Beijing has increased pressure on Taiwan since Tsai Ing-wen was first elected president in 2016, claiming she wants independence.
Tsai has said it is up to the people of Taiwan to decide their future.
Her vice president, William Lai, is running for the top job against Hou Yu-ih of the more China-friendly KMT.
Taiwan has reported regular sightings of Chinese warplanes and balloons around the island in the weeks running up to the election and has warned Beijing against seeking to influence the outcome of the poll.
Osimhen Scores Sixth Goal, Suffers Injury Scare in Galatasaray's Dramatic Win Victor Osimhen continued his…
How Celestial Church Pastor Killed Wife, Died by Suicide in Ogun Over Alleged Infidelity Two…
How terrorists ambushed APC guber candidate’s convoy in Borno Fresh violence has been reported in…
Dangote Refinery IPO approved at ₦525 per share, targets ₦2.15trn The Securities and Exchange Commission…
2027: Tinubu’ll ‘eat Obi like biscuits’ without coalition — Okonkwo Spokesperson for the Atiku Abubakar…
No One Can Live on N70,000, Not Even a Newborn – Sowore The African Action…