China sanctions US firms over Taiwan military support

China on Friday sanctioned seven US companies after Washington’s approval last week of a $571.3 million military aid package to Taiwan, which Beijing said infringed on its sovereignty and territory.

US President, Joe Biden last Friday, ordered the drawdown of up to $571.3 million for defence assistance to the self-ruled island, which China regards as its own territory.

While announcing the sanctions on Friday, the Chinese foreign ministry said Washington’s actions interfered with China’s internal affairs and undermined China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The statement also hit out at Washington’s 2025 defence budget, which includes a security cooperation initiative with Taiwan, as well as calls for strengthened defence industrial cooperation with Taipei.

The ministry said Beijing will freeze the China assets of US defence companies Insitu, Hudson Technologies, Saronic Technologies, Aerkomm and Oceaneering International, as well as Raytheon’s Canada and Australia subsidiaries.

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The sanctions, which kick in on Friday, also prohibit the targeted companies from doing business with organisations and individuals inside China.

The United States does not officially recognise Taiwan diplomatically but it is the self-ruled island’s strategic ally and largest supplier of weapons.

China, which has said it will use force to bring Taiwan under its control if necessary, has intensified pressure on the island in recent years.

It has staged three rounds of major military drills since Taiwanese President, Lai Ching-te, came to power in May.

Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman, Mao Ning, warned that the United States’ support for Taiwan will only burn itself.

Mao, in a press conference, said China will continue to take all necessary measures to firmly defend its sovereignty, security and development interests.

The sanction announcement follows previous sanctions declared earlier this month against 13 US firms for selling arms to Taiwan.