Beijing/Washington: China imposed sweeping sanctions on 20 United States defence companies and 10 senior executives, including entities linked to aerospace giant Boeing, in retaliation for Washington’s approval of a major arms sales package to Taiwan.
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China said the measures target firms and individuals involved in recent US weapons transfers to Taiwan, which Beijing considers a serious violation of its sovereignty and core national interests.
According to the ministry, the sanctions cover 20 defence firms and 10 individuals, including Boeing’s production hub in St Louis, Missouri. All assets held by the sanctioned companies and individuals in China will be frozen, and Chinese organisations and citizens are prohibited from conducting business with them.
China Sanctions 20 US Defence Firms Over Taiwan Arms Sales
🇨🇳’s foreign ministry also announced sanctions against 10 senior executives in response to Washington’s massive arms package to Taipei last week.
The sales “seriously violates the one-China principle and the three… pic.twitter.com/W90wtGVVnl
— RT_India (@RT_India_news) December 26, 2025
The move follows last week’s decision by the administration of Donald Trump to approve what US officials described as the largest-ever arms package for Taiwan, valued at more than $10 billion. The deal reportedly includes medium-range missiles and advanced drone systems, significantly expanding military cooperation between Washington and Taipei.
China strongly condemned the sale, reiterating its long-standing position that Taiwan is an inalienable part of its territory. The democratically governed island, however, has consistently rejected Beijing’s claim, maintaining that only the people of Taiwan can determine their future.
“The Taiwan issue is the core of China’s core interests and the first red line that cannot be crossed in China–US relations,” a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said. “Any provocative action that crosses this line will be met with a strong and resolute response.”
Beijing also urged Washington to stop what it described as “dangerous” efforts to arm Taiwan, warning that such moves could further destabilise the region.
The United States, however, says it is legally bound to help Taiwan maintain a credible self-defence capability. Responding to the arms sale announcement, the United States Department of State said the deal serves American national, economic and security interests.
“The proposed sales will help improve the security of the recipient and assist in maintaining political stability, military balance and economic progress in the region,” the State Department said, adding that US support is intended to preserve peace in the Taiwan Strait.
Arms sales to Taiwan have long been a major flashpoint in US–China relations, and the latest sanctions underline the deepening strategic rivalry between the world’s two largest economies over security and influence in the Indo-Pacific.
