China has announced sweeping countermeasures against several US defence companies and senior executives in response to Washington’s recent approval of large-scale arms sales to Taiwan. The move underscores the escalating tensions between the two superpowers and highlights China’s firm stance on issues related to its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
In a statement released by the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Beijing announced sanctions against 20 US defence-related companies and 10 senior executives involved in supplying weapons to Taiwan over recent years. The measures, implemented under China’s Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law, took effect immediately.
Among the sanctioned companies are Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation, L3Harris Maritime Services, Boeing in St. Louis, Gibbs & Cox, Advanced Acoustic Concepts, VSE Corporation, Sierra Technical Services, Red Cat Holdings, Teal Drones, ReconCraft, High Point Aerotechnologies, Epirus, Dedrone Holdings, Area-I, Blue Force Technologies, Dive Technologies, Vantor, Intelligent Epitaxy Technology, Rhombus Power, and Lazarus Enterprises.
The sanctions include freezing all movable and immovable assets of these companies located in China. Additionally, Chinese organisations and individuals are prohibited from conducting business, cooperation, or any other dealings with the listed entities. The measures also extend to 10 senior executives, including Palmer Luckey, founder of Anduril Industries, and top executives from companies such as L3Harris and VSE Corporation. Their assets in China will be restricted, and limits will be placed on their activities related to China.
China’s Foreign Ministry stated that US arms sales to Taiwan seriously violate the one-China principle and the three China-US Joint Communiques. The ministry emphasised that the Taiwan issue lies at the core of China’s national interests and is a red line in China-US relations. A ministry spokesperson warned that any company or individual engaging in arms sales to Taiwan would face consequences, adding that no country or force should underestimate China’s resolve to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“We urge the US to honour its commitments, stop supplying weapons to Taiwan, and avoid actions that could escalate tensions in the Taiwan Strait,” the ministry said. Beijing also vowed to continue taking resolute measures to protect its sovereignty and security.
The response comes after the administration of US President Donald Trump last week approved a major arms package for Taiwan. The US State Department said the proposed sales are valued at over USD 10 billion and include missiles, howitzers, and drones. Reports indicated that the potential sale includes eight arms packages worth an estimated USD 11.1 billion, such as HIMARS rocket systems, anti-tank missiles, and drones, with several items covered under Taiwan’s proposed special defence budget.
This escalation in tensions between China and the US underscores the delicate balance of power in the Asia-Pacific region. As both nations navigate their strategic interests, the implications for global security and defence partnerships will be closely watched by international observers. The situation serves as a stark reminder of the complexities involved in maintaining stability in an increasingly multipolar world.