China Sanctions 13 US Firms Over Taiwan Arms Deal, Opposes 'Foreign Engagement' Of Island Country's Leaders

China has announced sanctions against 13 United States (US) military firms and countermeasures targeting six senior executives in response to the US arms sale to Taiwan and a transit stop by Taiwan's President through US territory, the foreign ministry stated on Thursday (5 December).

This move follows China's condemnation of a $385-million US arms package, which includes spare parts and support for F-16 jets and radars, as a violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity. 

Beijing, which views Taiwan as an inseparable part of its territory and its President Lai Ching-te as a "separatist," strongly opposes any 'foreign engagement' with the island's leaders.

The sanctioned firms include Teledyne Brown Engineering Inc., BRINC Drones Inc., and Shield AI Inc., among others. Additional companies such as Rapid Flight LLC, Kratos Unmanned Aerial Systems Inc., and Cyberlux Corporation have also been named in the sanctions list.

China will freeze the assets of six executives from major companies, including Raytheon, BAE Systems, and United Technologies, within its jurisdiction and bar their entry into the country. 

Furthermore, Chinese individuals and organizations are prohibited from conducting any transactions with the sanctioned entities or individuals, intensifying the geopolitical tensions surrounding the Taiwan issue.

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