China Imposes Sanctions on US Defense Firms Over Taiwan Arms Sales

China has taken the unusual step of imposing sanctions on two American defense companies, accusing them of supporting arms sales to Taiwan, a self-governing island that China claims as its own territory and vows to reunify with by force if necessary.

The sanctions involve freezing the assets of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems and General Dynamics Land Systems in China, as well as prohibiting their management from entering the country.

General Dynamics, known for its aviation services and Gulfstream operations in China, is involved in producing the Abrams tank, which is part of Taiwan's defense against potential Chinese invasion.

On the other hand, General Atomics manufactures Predator and Reaper drones used by the US military. Chinese authorities did not provide specific details on the alleged involvement of this company in supplying arms to Taiwan.

Despite longstanding threats of sanctions, China has rarely enforced them due to economic difficulties, including challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, increased unemployment, and a decline in foreign investment.

China's Foreign Ministry stated that continued US arms sales to Taiwan violate the one-China principle and the provisions of the three China-US joint communiques, interfere in China's internal affairs, and undermine its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

According to Beijing, both the mainland and Taiwan, to which Chiang Kai-shek's Nationalist forces fled during the civil war in 1949, are part of a single Chinese nation.

These sanctions were imposed under China's recently enacted Law of the People's Republic of China on Countering Foreign Sanctions.

It's worth noting that entities fully owned by General Dynamics are registered in Hong Kong, the semi-autonomous city where Beijing has been increasing its political and economic control.

Despite the absence of formal diplomatic ties, the US remains Taiwan's primary source of diplomatic support and military equipment, ranging from fighter jets to air defense systems.

Meanwhile, Taiwan has been investing significantly in its defense industry, developing advanced missiles and submarines.

Recent military activity around Taiwan includes 14 Chinese warplanes and six navy ships operating in the vicinity, with six aircraft breaching Taiwan's air defense identification zone. This tactic aims to test Taiwan's defenses, weaken its capabilities, and intimidate its population.

However, the majority of Taiwan's 23 million people remain opposed to political unification with China, despite Beijing's efforts.