China sanctions three US defence companies over arms sales to Taiwan

In September last year, China had already sanctioned the US firms Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman due to arms sales

PGurus Newsdesk

May 20, 2024

In September last year, China had already sanctioned the US firms Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman due to arms sales

Latest action adds to a series of sanctions China has imposed on US defence companies for selling weapons to Taiwan

China names three US defence companies in its list of “unreliable companies” for selling weapons to Taiwan, China’s Ministry of Commerce announced on Monday.

When the sanctions were announced, Lai Ching-te of Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) was being sworn in as the self-governing island’s new President.

The three companies added to China’s list of “unreliable companies” are Boeing Defense, Space & Security, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, and General Dynamics Land Systems.

The latest action adds to a series of sanctions Beijing has imposed on US defence companies for selling weapons to Taiwan. The US also repeatedly places Chinese companies on its sanctions list.

In September last year, China had already sanctioned the US firms Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman due to such arms sales. Five more companies followed in January.

The Biden administration cites escalating pressure from China on Taiwan – including increased military activity both in the air and at sea – as justification for delivering arms to the island.

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