China Hits 20 US Firms and Executives with Sanctions Over Taiwan Arms Sales

BEIJING: China has imposed sanctions on 20 US defense-related companies and 10 executives in response to Washington’s announcement of a massive $11 billion arms sale to Taiwan.

In a statement released Friday, the Chinese Foreign Ministry condemned the transactions, asserting that they threaten China’s national sovereignty and security. “The Taiwan question lies at the very core of China’s interests and constitutes a critical red line in China-US relations,” the statement said, warning that any involvement in arms sales to Taiwan will carry serious consequences.

Among the sanctioned firms are Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation, L3Harris Maritime Services, and Boeing, while executives including Anduril Industries founder Palmer Luckey are personally barred from entering China. The sanctions also freeze the companies’ assets within Chinese territory and prohibit them from conducting business in the country.

The arms sale has triggered strong backlash from Beijing, which views US military support for Taiwan as a violation of diplomatic agreements and a challenge to the “One China” policy. Analysts have highlighted Taiwan as a significant flashpoint in US-China relations, with potential implications for regional security and even military conflict.

These tensions come as Taiwan has expanded military cooperation with Israel, a close US ally, including a discreet visit by Taiwan’s deputy foreign minister to Israeli-controlled areas seeking enhanced defense collaboration.

China has repeatedly emphasized that Taiwan is a red line issue for both the government and the Chinese people. Relations between Beijing and Washington are already strained over trade, technology, and human rights, making the latest sanctions a new point of friction in the bilateral relationship.