The Chinese government placed sanctions on seven companies on Friday in response to recent U.S. announcements of military sales and aid to Taiwan, the self-governing island that China claims as part of its territory.

China has sanctioned seven military industrial companies and related senior executives over U.S. arms assistance and sales to Taiwan, the Chinese foreign ministry said on Friday.

China on Friday slapped sanctions on seven US companies after Washington's approval last week of a $571.3 million military aid package to Taiwan, which Beijing said infringed on its "sovereignty and territory".

BEIJING: China's Foreign Ministry on Friday announced its decision to take countermeasures against seven US military companies and relevant senior executives over recent military assistance and arms s

On Dec. 5, China imposed sanctions on at least 13 American defense firms and six executives over arms sales to Taiwan. Last week, the White House announced military assistance worth $571.3 million and approved $295 million in arms sales to Taiwan. Earlier this month, the US also approved $385 million in arms sales to Taiwan.

China imposed sanctions on seven US companies following recent US military sales and aid to Taiwan. The move comes as the US defense bill increases military spending and adopts a more confrontational stance towards China.

The statement also hit out at Washington's 2025 defence budget, which includes a security cooperation initiative with Taiwan, as well as calls for strengthened defence industrial cooperation with Taipei.