China has announced its decision to impose countermeasures against U.S. military contractors and senior executives involved in arms sales to the Taiwan region, the Chinese Foreign Ministry stated on Friday.
The United States recently approved another round of arms sales to Taiwan, which China asserts is a serious violation of the one-China principle and the three China-U.S. joint communiques. “It severely interferes in China’s internal affairs and gravely undermines its sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the ministry said.
The countermeasures will target six U.S. firms, including Anduril Industries, Pacific Defense, and Maritime Tactical Systems. The properties and assets of these companies within China will be frozen, according to the statement.
In addition, five senior executives will face asset seizures and a ban on entry into China. Among them are Wahid Nawabi, CEO of AeroVironment, and Brian Schimpf, CEO of Anduril Industries, the ministry announced.
China’s move comes in response to what it perceives as escalating arms sales to the Taiwan region by the United States, heightening tensions between the two nations. The Chinese government maintains that such sales contravene international agreements and exacerbate cross-strait tensions.
Reference(s):
China takes countermeasures against U.S. arms suppliers, executives
cgtn.com
