China announced on Wednesday that it has sanctioned 12 US defense-related companies and 10 executives over arms sales to Taiwan and in retaliation for earlier American sanctions on Chinese companies linked to Russia.
The sanctioned entities include units of Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, General Dynamics, and other defense companies. Senior executives from Northrop Grumman Corporation and General Dynamics are also targeted by these measures.
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that these sanctions were a response to the US “indiscriminately imposing illegal unilateral sanctions on a number of Chinese entities on the grounds of so-called Russian-related factors” and continuing to sell arms to Taiwan, which China claims as its own territory and aims to annex by force if necessary. Beijing has long opposed US weapon sales to Taiwan, which, while not officially recognized as a country by the US, is supported under federal law to ensure its self-defense capabilities.
Following the inauguration of Taiwan’s new president, Lai Ching-te, on Monday, China had already announced sanctions against Boeing Defense, Space and Security, and two other US defense companies over arms sales to Taiwan. Additionally, former Republican representative Mike Gallagher from Wisconsin, a supporter of Taiwan, was sanctioned.
The latest round of sanctions, enforced under China’s Anti-Foreign Sanction Law, includes freezing the assets of the targeted businesses within China and denying visas to the executives and their immediate family members, including access to Hong Kong and Macau. The sanctioned businesses and individuals are also prohibited from engaging in any business with Chinese firms. The immediate impact of these sanctions is unclear, though they are often symbolic.
These measures add to previous sanctions imposed last year, which barred Lockheed Martin Corp. and Raytheon Technologies Corp.’s Raytheon Missiles and Defense from importing goods into China or making new investments in the country.
On May 1, the US imposed new sanctions on hundreds of companies and individuals tied to Russia’s weapons development program, which included more than a dozen Chinese entities accused of aiding Moscow in evading earlier penalties. This series of sanctions highlights the escalating tensions and retaliatory measures between the two global powers over defense and geopolitical issues.
