The Chinese Foreign Ministry announced sanctions on five US defense manufacturers in response to recent US arms sales to Taiwan. This action is the latest in a series of retaliatory measures to the US State Department’s approval of an estimated $300M in foreign military and arms sales to Taiwan, as disclosed in December.
The targeted companies include BAE Systems Land and Armament, Alliant Techsystems Operation, AeroVironment, ViaSat and Data Link Solutions. The sanctions will freeze the properties and assets of these firms in China and prohibit organizations and individuals in China from conducting transactions or cooperation with the identified firms.
Taiwan, though self-governing, is viewed as a breakaway province by China, a claim Taiwan’s democratic government staunchly rejects. Despite the US and other countries primarily adhering to a ‘One China’ policy, suggesting nebulous acknowledgement of Chinese sovereignty over Taiwan, US President Joe Biden has declared the country’s defense of Taiwan in case of a Chinese invasion.
This announcement of sanctions comes at a delicate moment, in the run-up to Taiwan’s presidential and parliamentary elections. Chinese officials have asserted these elections will force the choice between ‘war and peace.’ Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen, a supporter of independence, has faced mounting pressure from China in past years. She has called upon Chinese leadership to respect the election results, striving for peace and stability in the region.
In her New Year’s address, Tsai likened national security to the necessity of locks on homes: “Everyone’s home has locks on them, which is not to provoke the neighbors next door but to make yourself safer. This is the same for the doors to the country. Taiwan’s people want peace, but we want peace with respect.”
Amid these escalating tensions, Taiwan’s presidential and parliamentary elections will be held on January 13. Due to term limits, the incumbent President Tsai is not eligible for reelection.
Original Article: China announces sanctions on US defense manufacturers over arms trade to Taiwan