China has cautioned companies and individuals involved in arms sales to Taiwan, stating they will “pay the price for wrongdoing.” The warning coincided with Beijing’s announcement of countermeasures against U.S. defence firms and senior executives over recent arms deals with the island.
Addressing a regular press conference, a spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Beijing had decided to act in accordance with the Law of the People’s Republic of China on Countering Foreign Sanctions, following what it described as “large-scale U.S. arms sales to China’s Taiwan region.”
“Any company or individual who engages in arms sales to Taiwan will pay the price for wrongdoing,” the spokesperson asserted.
Under the announced measures, China will impose sanctions on 20 U.S. military-related companies and 10 senior executives involved in arming Taiwan in recent years.
The sanctions include freezing movable and immovable assets within China, a ban on transactions and cooperation with Chinese entities, and entry restrictions into China, including Hong Kong and Macao.
Beijing stated that the actions are necessary to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun reiterated that the Taiwan issue lies at the very heart of China’s core interests and represents the first red line that must not be crossed in China–U.S. relations.
“China’s core interests admit of no damage. The Taiwan question brooks no interference, and China’s bottom line shall not be crossed,” Guo said, adding that any attempt to provoke China on the Taiwan issue would be met with a firm response.
“No country or force shall ever underestimate the resolve, will, and ability of the Chinese government and people to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the spokesperson declared.
Guo noted that China had lodged a strong protest with the United States at the earliest opportunity, expressing dissatisfaction and opposition to the arms sales, which he described as gross interference in China’s internal affairs.
According to the Foreign Ministry, U.S. arms sales to Taiwan seriously undermine China’s sovereignty and security interests, jeopardize peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, and sending incorrect signals to those advocating for “Taiwan’s independence.”
Guo added that arming Taiwan would only embolden “separatist forces” and escalate tensions in the region.
China urged the United States to adhere to the one-China principle and the three China–U.S. joint communiqués, and to honour commitments made by U.S. leaders.
Beijing also cautioned that claims of assisting Taiwan in maintaining “defensive capabilities” would increase the risk of confrontation and conflict, rather than promote stability.
“No matter how many advanced weapons are sold to Taiwan, they cannot halt the historical trend that China will inevitably be reunified,” Guo stated.
China reiterated its commitment to taking all necessary and resolute measures to defend its national sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity.
