In a significant geopolitical move, US President Joe Biden approved a hefty defense aid package for Taiwan, triggering a sharp response from China.
China imposed sanctions on American defense entities as a retaliatory measure against the $571.3 million military aid granted to Taiwan, France24 reported.
Last Friday marked a crucial moment as President Biden authorized a defense assistance drawdown for Taiwan valued up to $571.3 million. This move comes amid increasing threats from China, which considers Taiwan a part of its sovereign territory and has not shied away from using force as a potential measure to assert control.
The assistance is part of a broader strategy embedded within the 2025 US defense budget, which emphasizes security cooperation with Taiwan. The budget outlines significant plans for strengthening defense industrial cooperation with Taipei.
Following the US's decision, the Chinese government quickly retaliated by announcing sanctions against key US defense companies and their subsidiaries. The targeted companies include Insitu, Hudson Technologies, Saronic Technologies, Aerkomm, and Oceaneering International, as well as Raytheon’s subsidiaries located in Canada and Australia.
These sanctions, set to take effect from the following Friday, aim to freeze the Chinese assets of these companies and prohibit their business activities with other entities and individuals within China.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry released a statement condemning the US's actions as interference in China's internal affairs, claiming that such moves undermine its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Spokeswoman Mao Ning expressed strong opposition, emphasizing that China would defend its sovereignty, security, and development interests vigorously.
Mao Ning further warned that the US's continued support for Taiwan could backfire, suggesting severe repercussions for US interests.
Earlier this month, before the recent defense drawdown, China had already sanctioned 13 US firms involved in arms sales to Taiwan, underscoring the escalating tensions between the two superpowers.
China's military response has been equally robust. Since Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te's inauguration in May, China has conducted three major military drills. These exercises are seen as direct responses to perceived provocations and are intended to signal China's readiness to assert its claims over Taiwan by force if necessary.
The US, while not maintaining official diplomatic relations with Taiwan, remains its most significant strategic ally and the largest supplier of military equipment.
Experts in international relations are closely monitoring these developments, noting that the tension could lead to further degradation of US-China relations.
The strategic importance of Taiwan in the US defense policy highlights the complex dynamics at play, where military aid and sanctions could potentially spiral into more significant conflict.
As the situation evolves, the global community remains watchful, hoping for resolutions that lead to stability rather than conflict.
