China imposes sanctions on US defence firms over Taiwan arms sales

China has announced sanctions against six US defence firms and several of their executives following the latest US decision to sell arms to Taiwan, according to a statement from the Chinese Foreign Ministry on Friday.

Beijing condemned the sales as severe interference in China's internal affairs and a violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Chinese Foreign Ministry cited the one-China principle and the Three Joint Communiques between the United States and China as being violated by these sales.

"China has decided to take countermeasures against the following US military-industrial enterprises and their senior executives," the ministry's statement read.

Effective immediately, Beijing will freeze the movable and immovable properties of US enterprises such as Anduril Corporation, Maritime Tactical Systems, and Pacific Rim Defense. Additionally, senior executives from these companies will face property freezes and visa denials for entry into China, including Hong Kong and Macao. The sanctions also prohibit Chinese organisations and individuals from engaging in transactions, cooperation, or other activities with the sanctioned entities within China's territory.

These measures come amid escalating tensions between China and the US over Taiwan. The US recently approved another arms sale to Taiwan on June 18, marking the 16th such sale to Taipei by Washington since President Joe Biden took office in 2021.

China has previously sanctioned other US defence companies, including Lockheed Martin and Raytheon, for similar reasons.