Thu Sep 19 07:27:52 UTC 2024: ## China Imposes Sanctions on US Military Contractors in Response to Taiwan Arms Sale

**BEIJING, Sept. 18, 2024** – China has announced sanctions against nine US military contractors in retaliation for the US State Department’s approval of a $228 million arms sale to Taiwan earlier this week.

The sanctions, which take effect immediately, include asset freezes and a ban on all transactions with Chinese individuals and entities for the companies involved. The list includes aerospace firm Sierra Nevada Corporation, amongst others.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian condemned the US arms sale, stating that it “seriously violated the one-China principle,” “infringed upon China’s sovereignty and security interests,” and “damaged China-US relations.” He urged Washington to cease “conniving and supporting Taiwan independence” and to stop undermining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

The US, while not formally recognizing Taiwan’s independence, maintains a policy of supporting the island’s defense and providing it with billions of dollars in weaponry. China views Taiwan as a breakaway province and has repeatedly warned against any attempts at formal independence.

This latest escalation in tensions comes as a direct consequence of the US’s continued commitment to strengthening Taiwan’s defenses. The move is likely to further strain relations between the two superpowers.

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