Fri Dec 27 12:57:35 UTC 2024: ## China Sanctions Seven US Firms Over Taiwan Aid

**Beijing, December 27, 2024** – The Chinese government announced sanctions on seven U.S. companies in retaliation for recent U.S. military aid and arms sales to Taiwan. The sanctions, announced Friday, also target “relevant senior executives” of Insitu Inc., Hudson Technologies Co., Saronic Technologies, Inc., Raytheon Canada, Raytheon Australia, Aerkomm Inc., and Oceaneering International Inc. These actions freeze any assets the companies hold in China and prohibit Chinese entities from engaging with them.

The move follows President Biden’s authorization of up to $571 million in military aid and training for Taiwan, and the separate approval of $295 million in arms sales. China views these actions, along with the recently passed $895 billion U.S. defense bill, which includes provisions for bolstering Taiwan’s defenses and restricting the use of Chinese products in the U.S. military, as violations of existing agreements and interference in its internal affairs.

A Chinese Defence Ministry spokesperson criticized the U.S.’s increasing military spending and its focus on what China calls a “so-called” threat from China. The sanctions, while typical of China’s response to such actions, are expected to have limited practical impact as U.S. defense companies do not generally conduct business in China. The U.S. remains Taiwan’s primary arms supplier. The situation adds further tension to already strained U.S.-China relations amidst escalating concerns over Taiwan’s status. Earlier this month, Taiwan reported that China conducted military exercises simulating a blockade of the island.

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