China imposes sanctions on three American defense companies over arms sales to Taiwan, coinciding with the inauguration of the island's new president, citing AFP and Reuters.
Specifically, American companies General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, General Dynamics Land Systems, and Boeing Defense, Space & Security are banned from conducting import-export business in China.
Top executives of all three companies are prohibited from entering China, their work permits will be revoked, and their guest status and residency applications will not be approved.
This is one of the restrictions announced by the Chinese state news agency Xinhua, citing the country's Ministry of Commerce.
On Monday, Lai Ching-te was sworn in as the president of Taiwan, marking the start of a historic third consecutive term for the island's ruling Democratic Progressive Party, which has championed democracy despite years of growing threats from authoritarian China.
The US intelligence believes Beijing is preparing to take Taiwan by force but currently prefers a peaceful reunification.
Recent Pentagon estimates suggest China might attack Taiwan by 2027.
In early May, American intelligence officials said that Russia and China have started to cooperate more closely on military matters, including a possible invasion of Taiwan.