In a significant move that could impact U.S.-China relations, China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOC) announced on Thursday the addition of 10 U.S. companies to its unreliable entities list. The action comes as a response to these companies’ involvement in arms sales to the Taiwan region.
The list of companies includes divisions of Lockheed Martin, such as Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, and Lockheed Martin Missile System Integration Lab. According to the MOC announcement, these entities have been engaging in arms sales and military technology cooperation with the Taiwan region, defying China’s repeated objections.
As a result of being listed, these companies are now prohibited from participating in import or export activities related to China and are barred from making new investments within the country. The MOC emphasized that senior executives of these corporations will face restrictions, including bans on entering China, revocation of work permits and residency statuses, and denial of any future applications.
“Their actions severely undermine China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the ministry stated. “They have seriously violated the one-China principle and the three China-U.S. joint communiques, and have severely undermined peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits. These companies will be held legally accountable.”
The MOC clarified that the unreliable entities list targets only a select number of foreign entities that pose a threat to China’s national security. “The Chinese government continues to welcome foreign companies to invest and expand their businesses in China,” the ministry added. “We are committed to providing a stable, fair, and predictable business environment for law-abiding companies operating in China.”
This development highlights the ongoing tensions between the United States and China over the Taiwan region. It serves as a reminder of the complex geopolitical landscape in Asia and the implications for global business operations.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
