China sanctions nine US defence firms over Taiwan military sales: Video
China has announced sanctions against nine U.S. defence companies over military sales to Taiwan, accusing Washington of undermining the one-China principle and escalating regional tensions.
The sanctions come as a response to recent arms deals between the U.S. and Taiwan, which Beijing considers a violation of its sovereignty.
Spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry, Lin Jian condemned the sales, stating, "Weapons sales by the United States to China's Taiwan region have seriously violated the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiqués, especially the provisions of the 817 communiqué, seriously infringed upon China's sovereignty and security interests, damaged China-US relations and peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, and sent a wrong signal to the separatist Taiwan independence forces."
Lin emphasised that China has taken "resolute countermeasures," sanctioning the U.S. firms involved. He accused the U.S. of bolstering Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and its leader, Lai Qingde, in promoting Taiwanese independence. Beijing views such moves as a direct challenge to its longstanding one-China policy.
China's actions come amid tensions over Taiwan, with the U.S. maintaining its support for the island’s defence despite Chinese objections.
