China hits back at US with fresh sanctions after Taiwan arms deal

China has imposed new sanctions on 13 US companies involved in the production of military products, specifically in response to their cooperation with Taiwan in arms supplies.

The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs made the announcement, calling the US arms sales to Taiwan a serious violation of the "one China" principle and the agreements outlined in the three Sino-US joint communiqués, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

According to Chinese officials, these actions are considered a direct interference in China's internal affairs and a breach of China's sovereignty.

As part of the sanctions, 13 companies and six executives have been added to China’s sanctions list.

Earlier, on December 1, the Chinese Foreign Ministry condemned the US and warned that such sales destabilize not only US-China relations but also global peace.

"The US arms sales to Taiwan undermine China's sovereignty and security," the ministry stated. "This goes against the commitments made by US leaders, who have repeatedly stated that they do not support Taiwan’s independence."

The sanctions follow the US approval of a $385 million arms deal with Taiwan on November 30, which includes equipment such as spare parts for fighter jets and radar systems. The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced that the equipment would be delivered starting in 2025 to maintain the operational readiness of Taiwan's F-16 fleet. This deal marks the latest development in growing US-Taiwan military ties, which have been a source of tension with China.

The sale approved by the US Department of State will ensure Taiwan can “meet current and future threats by maintaining the operational readiness” of its F-16 fleet, said the DSCA.  

China has ramped up military pressure on Taiwan in recent years with near-daily deployments of fighter jets and warships around the island.

By Tamilla Hasanova