China announced new sanctions against twenty American defense companies on Saturday, including a branch of Boeing, in response to the latest arms sale deal concluded by Washington with Taiwan, the island claimed by Beijing.
The United States has long been the largest arms supplier to Taiwan, even though China considers the democratic island part of its territory and has threatened to use all means, including force, to bring it under its control.
Taipei announced this month that Washington had approved an arms sale deal worth $11 billion, one of the largest arms deals with the island.
New sanctions against Boeing’s weapons plant
China criticized the deal and announced new sanctions on Friday against Boeing’s weapons plant in St. Louis, the aerospace giant Northrop Grumman, and other companies.
These companies appear to have little to no business activity in China, and Beijing had previously imposed sanctions on some of them.
Chinese entities will be prohibited from dealing with these companies, and their assets in the country will be frozen.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry stated that the arms sales “violate the One-China principle and seriously harm China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
China also imposed sanctions on ten senior executives from the industrial sector, barring them from entering its territory, including Hong Kong and Macau.
China
China is one of the world’s oldest continuous civilizations, with a recorded history spanning over 4,000 years. It is home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as the Great Wall and the Forbidden City, which reflect its long imperial past and profound cultural achievements.
United States
The United States is a federal republic founded in 1776 following its declaration of independence from Great Britain. Its history is marked by westward expansion, industrialization, and its emergence as a global superpower in the 20th century. The nation is defined by its diverse population and a cultural landscape built on ideals of democracy and individual liberty.
Taiwan
Taiwan is an island located off the southeastern coast of China, with a complex history involving indigenous cultures, periods of Dutch and Spanish colonial rule, and settlement by Han Chinese migrants. It was administered by Japan from 1895 to 1945 before coming under the administration of the Republic of China following World War II. The island is known for its vibrant democracy, technological industry, and distinct cultural identity shaped by these historical layers.
Beijing
Beijing is the capital of China, with a history spanning over three millennia as a major political and cultural center. It served as the seat of imperial power during the Ming and Qing dynasties and is home to iconic sites like the Forbidden City and the Great Wall. Today, it is a modern global metropolis that blends ancient heritage with contemporary development.
Washington
Washington, D.C., the capital of the United States, was founded in 1790 as a planned city to serve as the nation’s seat of government. It is named after George Washington and is home to iconic landmarks like the White House, the U.S. Capitol, and the Washington Monument, which reflect its central role in American political history.
Boeing
Boeing is an American multinational aerospace corporation founded in 1916 in Seattle, Washington, by William E. Boeing. It grew to become a dominant manufacturer of commercial jetliners, defense systems, and space vehicles, playing a central role in the history of aviation.
St. Louis
St. Louis, Missouri, is a major city on the Mississippi River, historically known as the “Gateway to the West” for its pivotal role in 19th-century westward expansion in the United States. Its iconic Gateway Arch, completed in 1965, symbolizes this history and is the centerpiece of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial.
Northrop Grumman
Northrop Grumman is an American global aerospace and defense technology company, formed in 1994 through the merger of Northrop Corporation and Grumman Corporation. Its historical roots trace back to the early 20th century, with Grumman notably producing iconic military aircraft like the F6F Hellcat during World War II and Northrop contributing advanced designs like the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region of China, originally a British colony from 1842 until its handover in 1997. It is renowned as a major global financial hub and a vibrant cultural melting pot, blending Eastern and Western influences. Its history as a port and trading center has shaped its unique identity and dense, modern skyline.
Macau
Macau is a Special Administrative Region of China, known for its unique blend of Portuguese and Chinese heritage stemming from its history as a Portuguese colony from the mid-16th century until its handover to China in 1999. Today, it is famous as a major global gaming destination and for its well-preserved historic center, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
