China introduces sanctions against three American arms manufacturers.
The ongoing tension between China and the United States is occurring on multiple fronts. Recently, China added three American companies specializing in arms production to their sanctions list. These companies had previously provided weapons to Taiwan. The move seemed deliberate since it came right after Taiwan's new president, Lai Ching-te, took office.
According to China's Ministry of Commerce, Boeing's defense and aerospace division, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, and General Dynamics Land Systems are now considered "unreliable companies." This means these firms are no longer allowed to invest in China, and their executives are barred from traveling there. The decision was made in response to these companies supplying weapons to Taiwan, which Beijing views as a part of China itself.
This measure is part of a recent wave of sanctions against American arms companies selling weapons to Taiwan. Back in September of 2020, China put Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman on the sanctions list for similar reasons. Five more companies joined them in January 2021. The United States also frequently adds Chinese companies to its own sanctions list. Relations between Washington and Beijing have been strained for quite some time.
The US government argues that these arms deliveries to Taiwan are necessary due to increasing pressure from China towards the island, such as a growing military presence in the air and at sea. China considers the democratically governed island a part of the People's Republic and has even threatened to invade it on various occasions. However, Taiwan sees itself as an independent state - and so far, the newly elected president, Lai Ching-te, has given no indication of wanting to change its self-image.
Read also:
- Year of climate records: extreme is the new normal
- Precautionary arrests show Islamist terror threat
- UN vote urges Israel to ceasefire
- SPD rules out budget resolution before the end of the year
- In response to the sanctions imposed by China, the USA may consider imposing similar restrictions on Chinese defense industry companies involved in arms exports to Taiwan.
- The recent actions by China against American companies in the defense industry, such as the sanctions against Boeing's defense division, General Atomics, and General Dynamics, could potentially impact future collaborations in the global defense sector.
- The move by China to label American arms manufacturers as "unreliable" could also prompt Taiwan to seek alternative sources for its military equipment, potentially leading to increased arms exports from other defense-focused countries.
Source: www.ntv.de
