BEIJING, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) — China on Wednesday announced sanctions against U.S. companies that sell weapons to the self-governing island of Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its territory and has threatened to annex by force.
Chinese state media cited the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in announcing the news, but gave no details of the companies involved. Taiwan is awaiting delivery of F-16 fighter jets, Abrams tanks and a range of missiles from the United States.
China constantly threatens to attack Taiwan, whose 2.3 million citizens overwhelmingly support its current de facto independence. Although the United States has no formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan, it has long been a major arms supplier to the island and has a legal obligation to ensure the island can defend itself.
In addition to buying weapons from the United States, Taiwan has been reviving its domestic arms industry. A fleet of submarines is being built, and compulsory military service for men has been extended to one year.
China has previously asked American companies to end cooperation with Taiwan’s armed forces, but with no apparent effect. (Associated Press)
China constantly threatens to attack Taiwan, whose 2.3 million citizens overwhelmingly support its current de facto independence. Although the United States has no formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan, it has long been a major arms supplier to the island and has a legal obligation to ensure the island can defend itself.
In addition to buying weapons from the United States, Taiwan has been reviving its domestic arms industry. A fleet of submarines is being built, and compulsory military service for men has been extended to one year.
China has previously asked American companies to end cooperation with Taiwan’s armed forces, but with no apparent effect. (Associated Press)
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