China has said that it has banned several business units of American aviation manufacturer Lockheed Martin Corp. and three of its executives over arms deals the company has signed with Taiwan, the self-ruling island it claims as its own territory, media reports said.
The statement from China's Foreign Ministry said on Friday that the company's cooperation with Taiwan had violated the country's sovereignty, standard terminology in its discussions of any outside dealings that support the island's government, the Independent reported.
The entities include Lockheed Martin Missile System Integration Lab, Lockheed Martin Advanced Technology Laboratories, and Lockheed Martin Ventures, according to the statement.
All of their movable and immovable properties, and other kinds of assets within China shall be frozen, the statement added.
The senior executives under sanction include James Donald Taiclet, chairman, president and chief executive officer; Frank Andrew St. John, chief operating officer; and Jesus Malave, chief financial officer.
China has been steadily growing its domestic aircraft industry, producing parts, planes and services for Airbus and producing its commercial jets. Foreign technology has played a large part in that process, but Chinese companies have increasingly developed the means to replace their overseas suppliers, The Independent reported.
The executives' movable and immovable properties and other kinds of assets within China shall be frozen, and it has been prohibited for any organisations or individuals within China to engage in any transactions, cooperation, or activities with them. They shall also be denied visas or entry into China, according to the statement.
Wu Qian, a spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defence, on Friday urged the US to honour its commitment to not support "Taiwan independence" and stop arming Taiwan in any form.
The newly approved US arms sales to Taiwan were reportedly worth about $360 million.
Taiwan relies heavily on US suppliers for arms, even as it works to boost its defence industries and increase mandatory military service for men from four months to one year. That comes against the backdrop of China's rising threat to encircle or invade Taiwan to achieve what it calls a historical mission to annex the island.
Taiwan was formerly a Japanese colony and separated from mainland China amid a civil war in 1949.
BJP ally Tipra Motha Party threatens to withdraw support if govt does not fulfil promises
Tripura's ruling coalition partner, the Tipra Motha Party (TMP), on Thursday threatened to withdraw its support from the BJP-led government if the Centre did not fulfil the provisions of the tripartite accord signed on March 2 last year.
Not new procedure, been in place since 2009: EAM Jaishankar on deportation row
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday that there has been "no change from the past procedure" in the deportation of illegal immigrants by the United States, emphasizing that the process is "not a new one".
Cong seeks discussion in LS, dignified treatment for deported Indians by US
The Indian nationals who were deported from the US for illegally arriving in the country on Wednesday claimed that they were sent back on the military aircraft with their hands and legs cuffed throughout the journey.
J&K mysterious deaths: All pesticide, insecticide shops sealed in Rajouri district
All pesticide and insecticide shops have been sealed by authorities in Jammu and Kashmir’s (J&K) Rajouri district as part of preventive measures taken after 17 ‘mysterious deaths’ took place in Budhal village, officials said on Thursday.
Pariksha Pe Charcha: PM Modi to engage with students; Sadguru, Mary Kom, Deepika to join discussion
The much-anticipated eighth edition of 'Pariksha Pe Charcha' (PPC) is set to return in an expanded format, featuring an array of distinguished experts and guests, alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Maha Kumbh: 25,000 tribal devotees to take holy dip at Triveni Sangam
In a historic event, around 25,000 devotees from tribal communities across the country will converge at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj to take a holy dip at the Sangam and pledge to safeguard their religion, culture, and traditions.
White House dials down Trump's plan to 'take over' Gaza
The White House said on Wednesday that President Donald Trump had not committed any funds for his proposal for the US to take over Gaza or deploy troops there for that purpose.
After US, Israel withdraws participation from UN Human Rights Council
A day after US President Donald Trump announced America's withdrawal from the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), Israel's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gideon Sa'ar, has said that Israel would also join the US in its decision not to participate in the UNHRC.