By Anthony Nwachukwu
The People’s Republic of China, through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has announced sanctions against some United States’ military-related companies and senior executives with its Decree No.19, effect from December 26, 2025.
This followed the U.S.’ recently announced large-scale arms sales to China’s Taiwan Region, which the country says “seriously violates the One-China principle and the three China-U.S. Joint Communiqués,” as well as “interferes in China’s internal affairs, and undermines China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
Consequently, and pursuant to Articles 3, 4, 5, 6, 9 and 15 of the Law of the People’s Republic of China on Countering Foreign Sanctions, China decided to take countermeasures against 20 U.S. military companies, including Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation, L3Harris Maritime Services, Boeing in St. Louis, Gibbs & Cox, Inc., Advanced Acoustic Concepts, and VSE Corporation, among others.
According to the sanctions, “their movable and immovable properties, and other kinds of assets within China shall be frozen; and all organisations and individuals within China shall be prohibited from engaging in transaction, cooperation and other activities with them.”
Also sanctioned are 10 senior U.S. executives of the listed companies, whose movable and immovable properties, and other kinds of assets within China are as well frozen, while all organisations and individuals within China are prohibited from engaging in transaction, cooperation and other activities with them, just as they shall be denied visas or entry into China (including Hong Kong and Macao).
Explaining the decision, the ministry stressed that the Taiwan question is at the very core of China’s core interests and the first red line that must not be crossed in the China-U.S. relations. According to the ministry, “anyone who attempts to cross the line and make provocations on the Taiwan question will be met with China’s firm response.
“Any company or individual who engages in arms sales to Taiwan will pay the price for the wrongdoing. No country or force shall ever underestimate the resolve, will and ability of the Chinese government and people to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
Meanwhile, China urged the U.S. to “abide by the one-China principle and the three China-U.S. joint communiqués, act on the commitment of the U.S. leader, stop the dangerous moves of arming Taiwan, stop undermining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, and stop sending wrong signals to “Taiwan independence” separatist forces.”
The country insists on continued “resolute measures to firmly defend national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity.”
