Chinese authorities announced sanctions on Sunday against five American defense contractors in response to arms sales to Taiwan, which Beijing considers an integral part of its territory.
Last month, the US State Department approved a $300 million weapons program to strengthen Taipei's joint warfare command and control system.
Beijing then said it would take “countermeasures” against the companies involved, without initially specifying what they would be.
China's foreign ministry said on Sunday that defense companies BAE Systems Land and Armament, Alliant Techsystems Operation, AeroVironment, ViaSat and Data Link Solutions would be affected by the sanctions.
“The countermeasures include freezing the assets of these companies in China, including their movable and immovable property, and banning organizations and individuals in China from conducting transactions and cooperating with them,” the ministry said. “US arms sales to China’s Taiwan region […] Seriously harming China’s sovereignty and security interests,” the statement continued.
Since independence supporter Tsai Ing-wen came to power in 2016, Beijing has increased pressure on Taiwan.
Beijing regularly sends warplanes and ships near the island, and Taiwan's defense ministry recently reported several sightings of balloons sent from mainland China. Washington and Taipei have warned Beijing against any attempt to influence the presidential election to be held in Taiwan in mid-January.
China, which views Taiwan as an integral part of its territory, has vowed to one day regain control of the island, using force if necessary.