BEIJING (AP) — China on Thursday announced rare sanctions against two U.S. defense companies over what it called their support for arms sales to Taiwan, the self-governing island democracy Beijing claims as its own territory to be recovered by force if necessary.
The announcement freezes the assets of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems and General Dynamics Land Systems held within China. It also bars the companies’ management from entering the country.
Filings show General Dynamics operates a half-dozen Gulfstream and jet aviation services operations in China, which remains heavily reliant on foreign aerospace technology even as it attempts to build its own presence in the field.
The company also helps make the Abrams tank being purchased by Taiwan to replace outdated armor intended to deter or resist an invasion from China.
General Atomics produces the Predator and Reaper drones used by the U.S. military. Chinese authorities did not go into details on the company’s alleged involvement with supplying arms to Taiwan.
Leverkusen go 49 matches unbeaten to set new record
Xi to Attend SCO Summit via Video Link
Floriade Expo 2022 opens in Almere, the Netherlands
Sanyuesan: Folk art feasts across China
Visitors flock to celebrate Hong Kong's unique Bun Festival
Xinhua Headlines: Shanghai boosts supply of necessities amid COVID
China welcomes global enterprises at consumer expo in Haikou
China home to 340 unicorns at end
Arsenal are seen REHEARSING their Premier League trophy presentation
China to boost financial support toward green growth
NYC firefighter who collapsed in burning home likely saved by smoke inhalation drug
Chinese dancing master Yang Liping gives performance in Tianjin