Khaberni - On Friday, China imposed sanctions on 20 American defense industries companies and 10 executives who participated in selling arms to Taiwan, without receiving any comments from the American side.
A statement issued by the Chinese Foreign Ministry mentioned that the deal, which was approved by the US Department of State on December 17th of this year, violates the "One China" principle and is considered interference in China's internal affairs and undermines its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The statement emphasized that the Taiwan issue is a "red line" that cannot be crossed concerning China's core interests, and that any company or individual selling weapons to Taiwan "will pay the price", urging Washington to stop what it called "dangerous efforts to arm the island".
What are the sanctions?
It was clarified that the sanctions will be imposed on 20 American companies and 10 executive officials under the Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law.
The sanctions include freezing the movable and immovable assets of these companies in China, and prohibiting Chinese individuals and entities from conducting any transactions or cooperation or other activities with them.
It was also noted that the ten executives would be subject to the same sanctions and would also be barred from obtaining entry visas to China, Hong Kong, and Macao.
The sanctions involve the Boeing branch in Saint Louis, Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation, L3 Harris for Marine Services, and Anduril Industries' founder, along with nine other senior executives at the sanctioned companies.
On December 17th of this year, the US State Department approved the sale of weapons and military equipment to Taiwan, with a total value approaching 11 billion dollars.
This agreement, which requires Congress approval, is the largest arms deal for Taiwan to date.
Beijing demands the incorporation of Taiwan into its territory, a island with a population of 24 million people, considering it a separatist province, while Taiwan insists on its independence since 1949.
China does not recognize Taiwan's independence and considers it part of its territory, refusing any attempts for separation, whereas Taiwan does not recognize the central government in Beijing.
