China imposes sanctions on 20 US firms, 10 executives over Taiwan arms sales

BEIJING, Dec. 26 (YPA) – China on Friday imposed sanctions against 20 US defence firms and 10 industry executives in response to Washington’s massive arms sales package to Taiwan last week.

In a statement, the Chinese Ministry said the package “seriously violates the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiques, interferes in China’s internal affairs, and undermines China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity”.

“Anyone who attempts to cross the line and make provocations on the Taiwan question will be met with China’s firm response. Any company or individual who engages in arms sales to Taiwan will pay the price for the wrongdoing,” the ministry said.

Under the measures, the “movable and immovable properties, and other kinds of assets” of the sanctioned firms and individuals within China will be frozen. All organizations and individuals in China are prohibited from engaging in transactions or cooperation with them.

The 10 executives will face the same restrictions and will also be barred from obtaining visas to enter China, Hong Kong, or Macau.

On December 17, the US State Department approved the sale of arms and military equipment to Taiwan valued at approximately $11 billion.

@E.Y.M