US Reps Want Defense Companies to Rip Off the Government
JacobinMay 22
China Sanctions 9 US Military-Linked Firms Over Taiwan Arms Sales
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Above: China's foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian during a press conference on March 18, 2024, in Beijing, China. Image copyright: VCG/Contributor/Visual China Group via Getty Images
The Facts
On Wednesday, China's foreign ministry announced sanctions on nine US military-linked companies over arms sales to Taiwan. Beijing considers the self-ruled island its breakaway province.
The affected military contractors for the Pentagon are Sierra Nevada Corporation, Stick Rudder Enterprises LLC, Cubic Corporation, S3 AeroDefense, TCOM, TextOre, Planate Management Group, ACT1 Federal, and Exovera.
The Spin
Pro-China narrative
Such measures are necessary to prevent any entities from violating the previously agreed-upon One China principle and driving a wedge between Taiwan and mainland China. By continuing to arm Taiwan and support its independence, the US threatens the PRC's sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity and endangers cross-strait peace and stability. The White House must desist from engaging with Taipei's secessionist leaders and immediately halt military collusion with Taiwan.
Anti-China narrative
The US doesn't recognize Taiwan as an independent state. However, Washington is against usurping the island by force and is legally bound to support Taiwan’s defensive capability, modernize its military, and expand its presence in global activities. Though Taiwan is a flash point in US-China relations, the White House will continue to aid the island to minimize its vulnerabilities to China's invasive tactics.
