China Sanctions 12 U.S. Defense Companies Over Taiwan Arms Sales: Lockheed Martin, Raytheon Targeted

 

On Wednesday, China announced sanctions against 12 U.S. defense companies and 10 executives in response to arms sales to Taiwan and previous American sanctions on Chinese firms linked to Russia.

The sanctioned entities include divisions of Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, General Dynamics, and other major defense companies. Executives from Northrop Grumman Corporation and General Dynamics were also targeted.

China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that these measures were in response to the U.S. imposing "illegal unilateral sanctions" on several Chinese entities due to alleged ties to Russia. The ministry also criticized the continued U.S. arms sales to Taiwan.

China views Taiwan as part of its territory and has expressed a willingness to annex it by force if necessary. It has consistently opposed U.S. weapon sales to the island. Although the U.S. does not officially recognize Taiwan as a separate country, federal law mandates that Washington ensures Taiwan can defend itself.

This move comes after Taiwan’s new President, Lai Ching-te, took office on Monday. In response, China also imposed sanctions on Boeing Defense, Space & Security and two other U.S. defense companies over their arms sales to Taiwan. Additionally, Mike Gallagher, a former Republican representative from Wisconsin who has shown support for Taiwan, was sanctioned.

The latest sanctions, implemented under China’s Anti-Foreign Sanction Law, will freeze all assets of the targeted businesses within China. Additionally, the sanctioned individuals and their immediate family members will be denied visas to enter China, including Hong Kong and Macau.