China to impose sanctions on US over arms sales to Taiwan

China is imposing sanctions on two U.S. defense contractors over a pending $100 million arms sale to Taiwan announced earlier this month.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin told reporters on Monday that Beijing will sanction Raytheon Technologies and Lockheed Martin, saying the companies are “military industrial enterprises that have long participated in the U.S.’ arms sales to China’s Taiwan region.”

“China once again urges the US government and relevant sides to abide by the one-China principle and the stipulations of the three China-US joint communiqués, and stop arms sales to and military ties with Taiwan,” Wenbin said.

“China will continue to take all necessary measures to resolutely uphold its sovereignty and security interests in light of the evolving situation,” he added.

The State Department notified Congress of the weapons sale earlier this month. It was requested by the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office (TECRO) in the U.S., Taiwan’s de facto embassy in Washington. TECRO asked for support to sustain and improve its U.S.-made Patriot Air Defense System.

Raytheon and Lockheed Martin are listed as prime contractors for the agreement.