China has announced sanctions on five Western defence over the latest round of US arms sales to Taiwan.
US arms sales to Taiwan are causing tension between Beijing and Washington, with China viewing democratically governed Taiwan as its territory, which Taiwan rejects.
US State Department approved $300m sale of equipment for Taiwan’s tactical information systems, causing Chinese Foreign Ministry sanctions. The sanctions target companies BAE Systems Land and Armament, Alliant Techsystems Operation, AeroVironment, ViaSat, and Data Link Solutions.
China plans to freeze companies’ assets and prohibit Chinese organizations from engaging with them. Beijing has increased pressure on Taiwan ahead of elections, claiming it will be reunified with China. President Xi Jinping reiterated Taiwan’s claim of being part of the “same family” in his New Year’s Eve address.