China announced on Monday, October 26, that it would take sanctions against American companies, individuals and entities involved in a project to sell arms at 1.5 billion euros in Taiwan, an island claimed by Beijing.
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The arms giants Lockheed Martin, Raytheon and the defense branch of Boeing are particularly concerned.
The United States last week gave the green light to this delivery of missiles and other equipment to Taipei.
Taiwan is populated by some 23 million people.
It has been ruled for 75 years by a regime that took refuge there after the communists seized power in mainland China during the Chinese civil war.
"
Protect national interests
"
The People's Republic of China considers the island territory as one of its provinces and threatens to use force in the event of a formal proclamation of independence or external intervention, especially American.
"
The sale of arms and equipment (...) to the region of Taiwan seriously undermines the sovereignty and security interests of China,
" said Zhao Lijian, spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry on Monday. .
Read also: China shows its muscles against Taiwan
The sanctions are taken to "
protect the
Chinese
national interests
" and target in addition to these American armaments companies "
individuals and entities having behaved badly
" during this sale, he stressed during a regular press briefing. .
Zhao Lijian did not provide further details on the nature or targets of these reprisals.
Countering China's influence
The United States considers it a priority to counter the influence of China in the Asia-Pacific region.
They also want to give Taiwan a credible defense capacity against a potential invasion by the Chinese army.
Washington has approved the sale to the island of 135 Slam-ER coastal defense missiles (manufactured by Boeing Defense) for an estimated $ 1 billion.
The United States has also given the green light to an order for Himars (Lockheed Martin) tactical rocket launchers for $ 436 million and imaging equipment for aerial reconnaissance for $ 367 million.
The total amount of planned sales represents more than 1.8 billion dollars (1.5 billion euros).
Read also: China warns France against an arms contract with Taiwan
China last week called on the United States to "
cancel
" the sale "
to avoid further damaging relations
" between the two countries.
Washington severed diplomatic relations with Taipei in 1979 to recognize Beijing, but remains the island's most powerful ally and its number one arms supplier.
