2023-12-18 13:06:12
China threatened retaliation on Monday, December 18, against companies involved in an arms sale to Taiwan, after the validation on Friday by the United States of an agreement worth 300 million dollars (around 274.9 million ‘euros) aimed at strengthening the defenses of the island, which lives under the threat of invasion by Beijing.
Washington’s decision comes as Taiwan, whose sovereignty China does not recognize, is holding its presidential election next month.
“We will take retaliatory measures against companies involved in arms sales to Taiwan”, said Wang Wenbin, a spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, invited to react during a press briefing. He did not specify what these measures would consist of or give details on the timetable or the companies which could be targeted. “China will take firm and forceful measures to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity”insisted Mr. Wang.
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Dissuading Beijing from any expansionist desire
The Taiwanese question is extremely sensitive in China. Beijing claims the island of 23 million inhabitants ruled since 1949 by a rival regime, close to the United States. Taiwan is a major point of tension between the world’s two leading economic powers. Chinese authorities regularly issue warnings against any decision by the United States perceived as support for formal independence for the island.
Beijing placed US defense industry giants Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman under sanctions in September for arms sales to Taiwan.
If Washington has recognized Beijing to the detriment of Taipei since 1979, the American Congress has at the same time imposed the provision of weapons to Taiwan, with the stated aim of dissuading China from any expansionist desire.
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