BEIJING: China on Friday slapped sanctions on seven US companies after Washington’s approval last week of a$ 571.3 million military aid package to Taiwan, which Beijing said infringed on its” sovereignty and territory”.
Last Friday, US President Joe Biden authorised the discharge of up to$ 571.3 million for military aid to the self-ruled area, which China regards as its own place.
Washington’s activities “interfere in China’s domestic affairs, and destroy China’s independence and regional integrity”, the Chinese foreign ministry said as it announced the punishment.
The statement also criticizes the 2025 defense expenditure of Washington, which calls for enhanced defense technological cooperation with Taipei as well as a security cooperation program.
Beijing may freeze the China goods of US military organizations Insitu, Hudson Technologies, Saronic Technologies, Aerkomm and Oceaneering International, as well as Raytheon’s Canada and Australia companies, the department said.
The precise businesses are also prohibited from conducting business with organizations and individuals in China as a result of the punishment, which take effect on Friday.
Taiwan, the self-ruled region’s strategic ally and largest supplier of weapons, is not officially recognized by the United States politely.
In recent years, China has increased pressure on Taiwan, which has stated it does use force if necessary to retake control of Taiwan.
Since Lai Ching-te, Taiwan’s president, took office in May, it has conducted three significant defense training.
Mao Ning, a spokesperson for the Chinese government, warned that America’s support for Taiwan” will only lose itself.”
” China will continue to take all necessary measures to strongly support its independence, stability and growth interests”, Mao said at a media event.
Following prior sanctions placed against 13 US companies earlier this month for selling arms to Taiwan, Friday’s statement comes.
