NEW DELHI: China announced sanctions against two US companies on Thursday over their alleged support for arms sales to Taiwan, which Beijing considers its own territory. The sanctions imposed on General Atomics Aeronautical Systems and General Dynamics Land Systems involve freezing their assets in China and prohibiting their executives from entering the country.
The extent of the companies’ assets in China is unclear, as the country relies heavily on foreign aerospace technology while aiming to bolster its own capabilities.
This move follows China’s opposition to US sanctions imposed on Chinese firms allegedly involved with Russia, as stated by the Chinese commerce ministry. The ministry emphasized China’s commitment to protecting its enterprises’ rights and interests.
The Biden administration imposed trade restrictions on 93 entities from various nations, including China, for purportedly supporting Russia in the Ukraine conflict. These restrictions prohibit US shipments to the targeted entities, including eight Chinese companies. The timing of these sanctions coincides with the second anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
(With agency inputs)