China sanctions US firms, executives over Taiwan arms sales

China has announced sweeping sanctions against American defense firms and their executives following the approval of a major US arms sale to Taiwan. The Chinese Foreign Ministry stated the "countermeasures" target 20 US defense-related companies and 10 senior officials involved in recent weapons deals with Taipei.

Response to Record Arms Package

The sanctions are a direct reaction to the Trump administration's early November announcement of eight arms packages for Taiwan, valued at over $11 billion—a record one-time sale. The approved weapons include advanced systems like M142 HIMARS rocket launchers, Army Tactical Missiles (ATACMS), and loitering drone munitions. Beijing condemned the sale, reiterating that "the Taiwan question is at the very core of China's core interests and the first red line that must not be crossed in China-US relations."

Scope and Enforcement of Sanctions

Under the measures, the "movable and immovable properties, and other kinds of assets" of the sanctioned firms and individuals within China will be frozen. All organizations and individuals in China are prohibited from engaging in transactions or cooperation with them. The ministry issued a stern warning that "anyone who attempts to cross the line and make provocations on the Taiwan question will be met with China's firm response," emphasizing the unwavering resolve to safeguard national sovereignty.

Call for US Restraint and Regional Stability

China urged the United States to adhere to the one-China principle and the three bilateral joint communiques, to cease "the dangerous moves of arming Taiwan," and to stop sending wrong signals to what it termed "Taiwan independence" separatist forces. The statement affirmed that Beijing will continue to take resolute measures to defend its territorial integrity. This firm stance aligns with the position of many nations, including Türkiye, which uphold the principle of respecting the territorial integrity and sovereign choices of other states in international relations.