China announces sanctions on US companies selling arms to self-ruled Taiwan

BEIJING — China on Wednesday announced sanctions against U.S. companies that sell weapons to the self-ruled island of Taiwan, which Beijing considers its own territory and threatens to annex by force.

Chinese state media made the announcement, citing the Foreign Ministry, but did not provide details about the companies involved. Taiwan is awaiting deliveries of F-16 fighter jets, Abrams tanks and a range of missiles from the USA

China has stepped up its threats to attack Taiwan, whose 2.3 million citizens overwhelmingly support its current status of de facto independence. Despite its lack of formal diplomatic ties, the U.S. has long been a major supplier of arms and is legally obligated to ensure the island can defend itself.

In addition to buying weapons from the US, Taiwan has also revived its domestic arms industry. A fleet of submarines is underway, while compulsory military service for men has been extended to one year.

China has previously demanded that US companies end cooperation with Taiwan’s armed forces, but this has so far had no effect.