China announced its decision to impose sanctions against American aerospace and defence firm Northrop Grumman Corp and its peer Lockheed Martin Corp. for providing weapons to Taiwan.
China’s Decision
During her regular press briefing on Friday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said that the US government has “ignored China’s firm opposition and insisted on providing weapons to the Taiwan region of China.”
Mao named Lockheed Martin’s St. Louis, Missouri, branch as the “main contractor” that “directly participated” in the arms sales on 24 August, to the island that China claims to be part of its own territory. She added that Northrop Grumman has similarly “participated in arms sales to Taiwan “on many occasions.”
The spokesperson announced that Beijing’s decision to sanction the two multinational companies was being taken in accordance with the country’s Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law.
She said the arms sales “seriously violated” the one-China principle, provisions of their three joint communiques, international law, and basic norms of international relations. “Taiwan is going further and further down the wrong and dangerous path,” Mao warned.
#BREAKING Beijing says sanctions two US defence companies over Taiwan arms sales pic.twitter.com/CQ4pI5AXKR
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) September 15, 2023
“The Chinese government is unswervingly determined to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity,” she stated. The spokesperson also urged Washington to “stop selling arms to Taiwan” to prevent a “resolute and powerful” response from China.
Past Sanctions
This is not the first time that China has sanctioned American defence contractors for arms sales to Taiwan.
In February, China levied sanctions on Lockheed Martin and Raytheon for their alleged role in supplying arms to Taiwan.
In addition, fines, “twice the amount of each enterprise’s arms sales contract to Taiwan,” were imposed on the companies.
Last September, Raytheon Missiles and Defence was awarded a $412 million contract to upgrade the island’s military radar. The contract fell under the US’ $1.1 billion arms sales package to the island.
Meanwhile, Lockheed Martin has sold radar, helicopters, and air traffic control equipment to the island. In addition, it helps Taipei develop its own fighter jet and navy frigates.