New Delhi: Beijing has decided to impose sanctions on the US firms over arms sales deal with Taiwan. The spokesman of foreign ministry of China Zhao Lijian said that “China will impose sanctions on US entities participating in Washington’s arms sales to Taiwan,”
In the last week – The state department of the US had approved the potential sale of three weapons systems to Taiwan which is sensors, Missiles and Artillery that could have a total value of $1.8 billion.
“China strongly condemns the sale of arms to Taiwan.” said Zhao. Beijing considers Taiwan a wayward province it has vowed to bring under control, by force if necessary.
“To safeguard our national interests, China decided to take necessary measures and levy sanctions on US companies such as Lockheed Martin, Boeing Defence, and Raytheon, and those individuals and companies who behaved badly in the process of the arms sales,” Zhao said.
China has sanctioned US companies in the past, including Lockheed Martin, for selling weapons to Taiwan, though it is unclear what form they have taken.
As per the facts the United States has no official diplomatic ties with Taiwan but Washington is bound by law to provide the island with the means to defend itself.
A spokesman for Boeing said in an emailed statement that the company’s partnership with China’s aviation community had long-term benefits and that Boeing remained committed to it.
Lockheed Martin and Raytheon did not immediately respond to emailed requests for comment.
The Trump administration has ramped up support for Taiwan through arms sales and visits by senior US officials, adding to tensions in relations between Beijing and Washington already strained by disagreements over the South China Sea, Hong Kong, human rights and trade.
_Vinayak.Barot
