China punishes US companies that sell arms to Taiwan

Chinese (left) and US flag – Photo (illustration): ANADOLU AGENCY

Lockheed Martin and Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS) participated in the recent sale of $ 1 billion worth of missiles to Taiwan, according to the AFP news agency.

Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS) is a business division of the Boeing Company based in Arlington, Virginia, USA.

In announcing this sanctions plan at a press conference on October 26 in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lap Kien called on the US side to “immediately stop arms sales” to Taiwan. .

“Boeing, Lockheed Martin and Raytheon are on the list of US companies and individuals that will face Chinese sanctions for arms sales to Taiwan,” CGTN Radio (China) quoted Mr. Trieu Lap Kien at the press conference.

China has always claimed that Taiwan is part of its territory, while Taipei claims that it has been an independent state since 1949. So far, at least 16 countries have recognized Taiwan as independent and have official diplomatic relations with Taiwan.

Last week, Beijing announced that there would be a “necessary response” if Washington sold $ 1.8 billion worth of weapons to Taiwan.

According to Anadolu Agency (Turkey), the US State Department officially sent a notice to the US Congress about the planned deal with Taiwan. Beijing has repeatedly warned Washington not to continue.

Taiwan plans to buy three US weapons systems, including sensors, missiles and artillery, for a total of $ 1.8 billion.

Beijing charged that the US arms sale to Taiwan “gravely violates the one-China principle and the three joint statements by the US and China.”