FALCON POWERS – China has imposed sanctions on three U.S. defense companies due to their arms sales to Taiwan, according to official media in Beijing, coinciding with the inauguration of a new Taiwanese president.
The state-run Xinhua news agency reported that the Chinese Ministry of Commerce has banned the U.S. companies “General Atomics Aeronautical Systems,” “General Dynamics Land Systems,” and “Boeing Defense, Space & Security” from engaging in any “import and export activities” in China.
The companies will also be prohibited from making any new investments in China, and their senior executives will be banned from entering the country and have their work permits revoked.
This announcement came as Lai Ching-te assumed the Taiwanese presidency on Monday, amid increasing pressure from China. Lai succeeds Tsai Ing-wen, whose eight-year tenure was marked by a deterioration of relations with Beijing.
Beijing considers Taiwan a breakaway province that should be reunified with the mainland, by force if necessary. It has described Lai as a “separatist” who is leading Taiwan down a path of “war and decline.”
The United States revoked its recognition of Taiwan in 1979 but continues to allow arms sales to the island, which are aimed at deterring any Chinese expansionist intentions.
Last month, the U.S. approved billions of dollars in military assistance to Taiwan.
