On Friday, the Chinese Foreign Ministry made a significant announcement regarding countermeasures targeting seven American military firms and their executives, following the United States’ latest military aid package and arms sales directed at Taiwan. This move comes on the heels of the US's "National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025," which includes provisions that China views as disrespectful to its sovereignty and in violation of the established one-China principle and several joint communiqués between the two nations.
As part of this decision, China will freeze the properties and assets of the specified companies, which include Insitu, Inc., Hudson Technologies Co., Saronic Technologies, Inc., Raytheon Canada, Raytheon Australia, Aerkomm Inc., and Oceaneering International, Inc. Additionally, all transactions or cooperative engagements with these entities will be barred for organizations and individuals operating in China, effective from December 27, 2024.
During a press briefing, spokesperson Mao Ning emphasized that any attempts at "Taiwan independence" are doomed. He criticized US military support for Taiwan as counterproductive, accusing the US of fostering a Cold War mentality and unjustly portraying China as a threat to justify its military expenditures. Mao urged the US to adhere to the one-China principle and to cease its military support for Taiwan, so as not to disrupt regional stability and peace.
Li Zhenguang, a deputy director at Beijing Union University’s Institute of Taiwan Studies, noted that China's reaction underscores its firm stance against any actions by the US that infringe on its national interests through arms sales to Taiwan. He articulated that the countermeasures also serve as a critical reminder of China's red lines regarding its relations with the US and the responsibilities of American companies in regard to Taiwan. Meanwhile, Chinese officials have consistently rebuffed the US's recent military legislation and reiterated their view that the Taiwan situation is strictly an internal matter of China, intolerant of any external interference.
11 Comments
Karamba
A strong stance from China is necessary to ensure regional peace and prevent future US encroachments.
Matzomaster
China should stop pretending Taiwan is just an 'internal matter.' The world sees it differently.
Rotfront
The world is watching. China will only further alienate itself with these harsh measures.
Karamba
Retaliations like this only deepen division. All parties need to work towards mutual understanding.
Matzomaster
It’s commendable that China is standing firm. Other nations need to respect their position on Taiwan.
Michelangelo
It's a shame that China prioritizes its pride over the stability of international relations.
Raphael
National dignity must be preserved. China is doing what any sovereign nation should do!
Leonardo
Let’s be real; the US’s military support is just creating more tension in the region. China is right to respond.
Comandante
This kind of retaliation just makes China look weak. They need to engage in meaningful dialogue instead.
Habibi
Wrapping politics in business will only hurt Chinese consumers in the long run. Control won't lead to respect.
Coccinella
China must ensure that its red lines are clear. No one should underestimate its resolve.