China retaliates against five US defense corporations for US restrictions and arms sales to Taiwan

China imposed penalties on five American defense-related companies on Sunday in retaliation for US sanctions against Chinese individuals and companies as well as US arms shipments to Taiwan.

In a statement published online, the Foreign Ministry stated that the firms' properties in China would be frozen and that Chinese persons and organizations would not be allowed to do business with them.

Regarding the businesses, BAE Systems Land and Armaments, Alliant Techsystems Operations, AeroVironment, Viasat, and Data Link Solutions, it was unclear what effect, if any, the penalties would have. Since US defense contractors typically do not sell to China, these sanctions are frequently primarily symbolic.

In addition to undermining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and violating the rights and interests of Chinese persons and firms, the Foreign Ministry said that the U.S. actions had damaged China's sovereignty and security interests.

“The Chinese government remains unwavering in our resolve to safeguard national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity and protect the lawful rights and interests of Chinese companies and citizens,” the ministry statement said.