China’s Commerce Ministry has announced sanctions against U.S. defense contractors Boeing Defense, Space & Security, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. and General Dynamics Land Systems.
The ministry said the businesses were added to its “unreliable entity” list, including other U.S. companies Lockheed Martin and Raytheon Missiles & Defense, for supplying weapons to Taiwan.
Listed organizations are deemed national security threats and are subject to penalties, including trade, investment and visa restrictions.
The measures are not expected to negatively impact the companies, which are not doing business in China. According to reports, Ted Colbert, the CEO of Boeing Defense, Space & Security, has been on Beijing’s sanctions list since 2022.
The latest announcement from Beijing was made after Lai Ching-te, who has expressed commitment to strengthening ties with the United States, was sworn in as Taiwan’s president.
China claims democratic Taipei as part of its territory. During Lai’s inauguration, the self-governing island’s coast guard saw an increased presence of Chinese vessels around Kinmen, Matsu and Penghu, Al Jazeera reported.