Kathmandu. Beijing has issued a warning that it will impose sanctions on US firms such as Boeing Defense, Lockheed Martin, and Raython, that have been selling weapons to Taiwan. Taiwan, that considers itself independent of Mainland China’s authority, has been an integral part in the One China Policy, according to which Beijing seeks to gain full territorial jurisdiction in the area. The United States of America does recognize China’s claims but it has also maintained informal links with Taiwan under the policy of “strategic ambiguity.”

Zhao Lijian, the spokesperson for the foreign ministry of China, at a press brief on Monday noted that these measures were taken, “to safeguard China’s national interests.” He further urged the US “to abide by the one-China principle and the provisions of the three China-U.S. joint communiques, to stop its planned arms sales to Taiwan and cease military contact with Taiwan.”

Boeing, that is in the process of recuperating from the hit it took in its business due to the COVID-19 pandemic, maintained that this would be an issue that needs to be resolved by the governments. A spokesperson of the company while communicating with CNN Business said that, “Foreign military sales to any country or entity is a direct contractual obligation between the purchaser and the US government/Department of Defense.”

While Raytheon has yet to make a public comment on the matter, Lockheed Martin reflected a similar opinion, whereby it affirmed that this matter had to be taken up by the concerned governments. “We do business with more than 70 nations around the world, and all of our international sales are strictly regulated by the US government,” it’s spokesperson specified.

In response to Beijing’s claims, Morgan Ortagus, the spokesperson for the US State Department released a statement condemning Beijing’s actions.  She stated that, “We deplore Beijing’s efforts to retaliate against US and foreign companies for their sales that support Taiwan’s legitimate self-defense requirements.”

Washington recently approved a $2.37bn deal to sell the Boeing-made Harpoon Coastal Defense Systems to Taiwan. The State Department on Monday published a statement that read that the systems “will help improve the security of the recipient and assist in maintaining political stability, military balance, economic and progress in the region.” Taipei met the decision with a warm reception, by claiming that it showcased “the US government’s commitment to the Taiwan Relations Act and Six Assurances,” adding that, “It also enables the country to maintain a robust self-defense, & regional peace & stability.”

Prior to this, the Trump administration, known for its tough stance on China, had notified the Congress that it was seeking to sell three advanced weapons systems to Taiwan.

Earlier this month, the Chinese President, Xi Jinping had told the state’s marines to be prepared for war. Beijing has been ramping up its military activities near Taiwan and that clearly has Washington on edge. With the US and China locking horns on several junctures of discontent regarding various economic and political issues, Taiwan has become a focal point of consideration for both the states in the region.