The Chinese Foreign Ministry says China has decided to impose sanctions on US companies selling arms to Taiwan.
According to Reuters, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Xiao Lijian told a news conference that "sanctions will be imposed on Lockheed Martin, Boeing Defense and Raytheon."
China has strongly condemned the sale of arms to Taiwan.
Spokesman Xiao Lijian said that China has decided to take necessary steps to protect the national interest and has also decided to ban US companies. In addition, individuals and companies who engage in inappropriate arms sales will be banned.
Last week, the United States approved the sale of about آ 1.8 billion worth of weapons to Taiwan.
China says it has taken steps to protect national interests (Photo: Reuters)
The Pentagon said the deal included three weapons systems, including rocket launchers, sensors and heavy weapons.
The US move is likely to increase tensions between the two countries. China has previously imposed sanctions on a number of companies, including the US-based Lockheed, over arms sales to Taiwan.
Unlike other countries, the United States does not have official diplomatic relations with Taiwan, but Washington is committed to providing the island with a source of defense.
