China imposes sanctions on five US defense firms for selling arms to Taiwan

China has placed sanctions on five Western defense firms in response to the latest round of US arms sales to Taiwan. This announcement comes as Taiwan prepares for its upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections. The sale of weapons to Taiwan has been a consistent point of tension between Beijing and Washington. China considers Taiwan its territory, a claim that Taiwan's government rejects. Last month, the US State Department approved a $300 million sale of equipment to support Taiwan's tactical information systems. In a statement, the Chinese Foreign Ministry criticized these arms sales, stating that they seriously undermine China's sovereignty and security interests and disrupt peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. The companies facing sanctions are BAE Systems Land and Armament, Alliant Techsystems Operation, AeroVironment, ViaSat, and Data Link Solutions. China plans to freeze their assets and prohibit individuals and organizations in China from engaging with them. Beijing has been increasing pressure on Taiwan ahead of the elections, with Chinese President Xi Jinping reasserting his claim that Taiwan will inevitably be reunified with China. China views Taiwan as a breakaway province that will eventually come under its control, while Taiwan sees itself as a separate entity with its own constitution and democratically elected leaders.