China announced on Thursday that it will impose sanctions on 13 U.S. military firms in response to U.S. arms sales to Taiwan. The move follows Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te’s transit through U.S. territory, a step Beijing strongly opposes.
The sanctions come after the U.S. authorized a potential $385 million sale of spare parts and support for F-16 jets and radars to Taiwan, a decision that China claims undermines its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Beijing views Taiwan as part of its territory and regards President Lai as a dangerous separatist. It opposes any foreign engagements or visits by Taiwanese leaders.
Among the targeted firms are Teledyne Brown Engineering Inc, BRINC Drones Inc, Shield AI Inc, Rapid Flight LLC, Red Six Solutions, SYNEXXUS Inc, Firestorm Labs Inc, Kratos Unmanned Aerial Systems Inc, HavocAI, Neros Technologies, Cyberlux Corporation, Domo Tactical Communications, and Group W, according to the foreign ministry.
China will also freeze the assets of six executives from five companies, including Raytheon, BAE Systems, and United Technologies, within its jurisdiction. These individuals will also be barred from entering China. Additionally, Chinese entities and individuals are prohibited from conducting any business with the sanctioned firms and individuals.
