China Imposes Sanctions On Weapons Supply Companies On Taiwan

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Lin Jian (ANTARA/Desca Lidya Natalia)

JAKARTA - The Chinese government has imposed sanctions on companies and individuals from the United States (US) who supply weapons to Taiwan.

"China is taking countermeasures against major US contractors who recently sold weapons to Taiwan, their senior executives, and against military companies involved in the sale of US weapons to Taiwan as well as those attending Taiwan-US Defense Business Forum in Taiwan in recent years", Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian told a news conference in Beijing reported by ANTARA, Monday, July 15.

The sale of US weapons to Taiwan, said Lin Jian, strongly violates the principles of "One China" and three communicants with China-US, particularly the 1982 August 17 communique, interfering in China's internal affairs and weakening China's territory sovereignty and integrity.

"Taiwan is at the heart of China's interests and is the first red line not to be passed in China-US relations. No country, organization, or individual may underestimate the wishes and ability of the Chinese government and people to defend the sovereignty and integrity of our territory," added Lin Jian.

Lin Jian also advised that no party dream of violating or even crossing the line in Taiwan's problems without any consequences.

Based on China's Decree of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs No. 10 which was announced on July 12, 2024 and took effect on that date, it was based on articles 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, and 15 of the Anti-Sanctions Act of the Foreign Republic of China, the Chinese government has decided to take retaliatory action against military industry companies and senior US managers.

The military company is:

1. Anduril Industries

2. Maritime Tactical Systems

3. Pacific Rim Defense

4. AEVEX Aerospace

5. LKD Aerospace

6. Summit Technologies Inc.

"All rights protected by law in China will be frozen, including moving, immovable and other types of goods," the decree said.

Senior executives who have been sanctioned are:

1. President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Aerospace Environment Wahid Nawabi

2. Deputy Director and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Aerospace Environment Corporation Kevin McDonnell.

3. CEO of Anduril Industries Brian William Schimpf

4. Chief Operating Officer (COO) Anduril Industries Matthew Marley Grimm

5. Senior Vice President Global Defense Anduril Industries Gregory Michael Kausner

"Their assets, both moving and immovable, as well as other types of assets in China, will be frozen. All organizations and individuals in China are also prohibited from making transactions, cooperation and other activities with them," the decree said.

In addition, his fifth visa to enter and leave China (including Hong Kong and Macau) will be rejected.

Anduril Industries is a company founded in 2017 by Palmer and is known for its innovative approach to defense technology, leveraging artificial intelligence to create advanced surveillance and defense systems.

The company quickly rose to prominence in the defense sector, earning significant contracts with the US Department of Defense and other international clients.

Most recently, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency on Wednesday (19/6) announced approval for arms sales of up to 720 Switchblade 300, 291 ALTIUS 600M-V units to Taiwan, 101 units of SB300 fire control systems and other equipment.

The equipment is estimated to be worth up to 300 million US dollars, while the anti-tank guitar (ATGW) and other equipment are worth up to around 60.2 million US dollars (around Rp974.12 billion) which was a package selling 15th weapons to Taiwan during the administration of US President Joe Biden.