China has imposed sanctions on nine US defense firms over sales of military equipment to Taiwan, escalating tensions between Beijing and Washington. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the measures as part of their efforts to pressure Taiwan to end declarations of independence and cut ties with the US. The frozen property of the nine firms on Chinese territory and prohibition of all transactions with China-based entities has taken immediate effect.
Spokesman Lin Jian accused the US of violating the one-China principle, infringing upon China’s sovereignty and security interests, and damaging China-US relations by selling weapons to Taiwan. The affected companies include Sierra Nevada Corporation and Cubic Corporation. The US State Department had approved a sale of spare parts valued at $228 million to Taiwan, prompting China to take action.
China views Taiwan as its own territory and has been increasing military and political pressure on the island. The US remains Taiwan’s most important partner and arms supplier, leading to repeated condemnations from China. The two countries have clashed on various issues including trade, technology access, and China’s actions in the South China Sea.
During a recent meeting between a White House aide and a high-ranking Chinese military official, Zhang Youxia warned that Taiwan’s status is a red line in China-US relations. China demanded that the US stop military collusion with Taiwan. The tensions between the two countries continue to escalate as China seeks to assert its claims over Taiwan and demands an end to US support for the island’s independence.
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