- Beijing Targets Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, and Boeing Subsidiaries
- Tensions Rise as U.S.-China Relations Continue to Strain Over Taiwan
China has intensified its response to U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, imposing sanctions on 10 major American defense firms, including subsidiaries of Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, and General Dynamics. The sanctions, announced by the Ministry of Commerce on January 2, 2025, bar the companies from import and export activities in China, prohibit new investments, and restrict senior executives from entering the country.
The move follows similar sanctions announced less than a week ago, targeting seven U.S. military-industrial firms, including Boeing subsidiary Insitu. These actions come in retaliation for U.S. military assistance to Taiwan, a self-governed island that China considers part of its territory.
Beijing has labeled the arms sales as a violation of its sovereignty and an interference in its internal affairs. “These actions undermine China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said, reiterating Beijing’s firm stance on Taiwan.
In December, U.S. President Joe Biden approved $571.3 million in defense support for Taiwan, further straining relations between the two superpowers. Washington remains Taiwan’s largest arms supplier and strategic ally, despite not formally recognizing the island as a sovereign state.
Adding to the tensions, China’s commerce ministry on the same day included 28 U.S. entities on its Export Control List. This designation bans the export of dual-use items to the listed firms, affecting defense giants like Boeing Defense, Space & Security, and Lockheed Martin Corporation. Beijing stated the measure is aimed at safeguarding national security, protecting Chinese interests, and ensuring compliance with non-proliferation obligations.
Taiwan has become a flashpoint in U.S.-China relations, with Beijing ramping up military and political pressure. Since Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te took office in May 2024, China has staged three large-scale military drills near the island, signaling its resolve to reunify Taiwan, by force if necessary.
The sanctions underscore the growing chasm between Beijing and Washington as both nations remain locked in a geopolitical rivalry fueled by issues ranging from trade to territorial disputes.
