China has announced that it will be imposing sanctions on American companies that are selling weapons to Taiwan, a self-ruled island that Beijing claims as its own territory. The move comes as Taiwan is set to receive deliveries of advanced fighter jets, tanks, and missiles from the US.
According to Chinese state media, the Foreign Ministry made the announcement, but did not provide details on the specific companies involved. Taiwan is currently awaiting the arrival of new military equipment, including F-16 fighter jets, Abrams tanks, and various types of missiles.
China has been increasing its threats to attack Taiwan, which has a population of 2.3 million people who overwhelmingly favor their current status of de-facto independence. Despite lacking formal diplomatic ties, the US has been a key provider of arms to Taiwan and is legally bound to ensure the island can defend itself.
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In addition to buying weapons from the US, Taiwan is also reviving its domestic arms industry. The country is currently building a fleet of submarines and has extended mandatory military service for men to one year.
China has previously demanded that US companies stop cooperating with Taiwan’s armed forces, but so far, this has had no effect. The latest sanctions are seen as another attempt by China to exert pressure on Taiwan and the US.