China Sanctions 6 US Defense Firms for Arms Sales to Taiwan

China last week announced sanctions against six American defense companies and their senior executives for arms sales to Taiwan. The measures, taken under China’s anti-foreign sanctions law (see 2309270039 and 2310230032), target Anduril Industries, Maritime Tactical Systems, Pacific Rim Defense, AEVEX Aerospace, LKD Aerospace and Summit Technologies, according to an unofficial translation of a July 12 notice from the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The ministry said the sanctions freeze those companies’ assets in China, and Chinese companies will be barred from doing certain business with their executives. Spokespeople for the six companies didn’t respond to a request for comment.

Beijing in recent months has sanctioned several other defense firms (see 2404120011 and 2401080033), and added others to its unreliable entity list (see 2405200055, 2304180029 and 2302160064), for arms sales to Taiwan.