In a recent development, China has announced sanctions against US defense contractor Lockheed Martin, as a direct response to the United States approving an arms deal with Taiwan. This decision was communicated by the Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian, who argued that the arms agreement infringes upon the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiqués, particularly the August 17 Communiqué of 1982.
The sanctions include a comprehensive asset freeze and a prohibition on Chinese individuals or enterprises from engaging in any transactions with Lockheed Martin, its executives, or its subsidiaries. The affected entities include the Lockheed Martin Missile Systems Integration Lab, Lockheed Martin Advanced Technology Laboratories, and Lockheed Martin Ventures. Notably, the sanctions also target high-ranking officials such as Chairman James Donald Taiclet, COO Frank Andrew St. John, and CFO Jesus Malave.
The backdrop to these sanctions is the June 18 announcement from the US Defense Security Operations Agency concerning the approval of two arms deals totaling approximately $360 million. The first deal, worth around $300 million, includes unmanned aerial vehicles and related technical support. The second deal, valued at $60.2 million, involves 720 Switchblade 300 miniature loitering munitions and other equipment categorized as “non-Major Defense Equipment.”
China’s press release firmly asserted that Taiwan will “get nowhere” through its relationship with the US, reiterating its opposition to Taiwan separatism. China claims such moves provoke opposition to peace and security and has vowed retaliatory actions to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
On the same day, the Chinese Supreme People’s Court, in conjunction with the national security department and other relevant bureaus, issued guidelines urging provincial governments and judiciaries to impose severe penalties for any activities supporting Taiwan’s independence. This includes potential capital punishment for actions deemed as fragmenting the country or instigating secession. In response, Taiwan has maintained that its citizens enjoy democratic freedoms and are not subject to Chinese jurisdiction.
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