People take photos of Christmas lights decoration at the street on the eve of Christmas in Taipei, Taiwan, Dec. 24. The Ministry of the Interior has deployed up to 17,000 police personnel, civil defense members, and volunteers to enhance security at 137 major events during the holiday season. On Friday, the Chinese government sanctioned U.S. businesses operating in China and their leadership in response the U.S. government selling arms to Taiwan. Photo by Ritchie B. Tongo/EPA

Dec. 26 (UPI) — China on Friday announced sanctions against U.S. companies in the arms industry after the United States revealed arms sales to Taiwan.

“The United States recently announced its large-scale arms sales to China’s Taiwan Region,” the announcement from the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. “This seriously violates the one-China principle and the three China-U.S. Joint Communiqués, interferes in China’s internal affairs, and undermines China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. China hereby decides to take countermeasures against U.S. military-related companies and senior executives.”

The move comes after the United States announced an $11.1 billion arms deal with Taiwan on Dec. 18. Washington recognizes Taiwan as a sovereign nation, but Beijing claims it as Chinese territory.

The eight items being sold to Taiwan include HIMARS rocket systems, TOW missiles, Javelin anti-tank missiles, anti-armor loitering munition systems, spare attack helicopter parts, and the Taiwan Tactical Network military communication platform and Tactical Awareness Kit, among other equipment.

Taiwan’s foreign ministry said in a statement that it “welcomed” the announcement and expressed its “sincere appreciation for the United States’ long-standing support for regional security and Taiwan’s self-defense.”

Beijing said in a statement, “We stress once again that the Taiwan question is at the very core of China’s core interests and the first red line that must not be crossed in China-U.S. relations.”

“Anyone who attempts to cross the line and make provocations on the Taiwan question will be met with China’s firm response. … No country or force shall ever underestimate the resolve, will, and ability of the Chinese government and people to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity,” it added.

The 20 companies sanctioned were: Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation, L3Harris Maritime Services, Boeing in St. Louis, Gibbs & Cox, Advanced Acoustic Concepts, VSE Corporation, Sierra Technical Services, Red Cat Holdings, Teal Drones, ReconCraft, High Point Aerotechnologies, Epirus, Dedrone Holdings, Area-I, Blue Force Technologies, Dive Technologies, Vantor, Intelligent Epitaxy Technology, Rhombus Power, and Lazarus Enterprises.

The executives sanctioned were: Palmer Luckey, founder of Anduril Industries; John Cantillon, vice president of L3Harris Technologies; Michael J. Carnovale, president and CEO of Advanced Acoustic Concepts; John A. Cuomo, president and CEO of VSE Corporation; Mitch McDonald, president of Teal Drones; Anshuman Roy, founder and CEO of Rhombus Power; Dan Smoot, president and CEO of Vantor; Aaditya Devarakonda, CEO of Dedrone Holdings; Ann Wood, president of High Point Aerotechnologies; and Jay Hoflich, co-founder and CEO of ReconCraft.

China said “movable and immovable properties, and other kinds of assets” of the listed companies and people “shall be frozen.”

“All organizations and individuals within China shall be prohibited from engaging in transactions, cooperation, and other activities with them,” it said. And, “they shall be denied visas or entry into China (including Hong Kong and Macao).”

Clouds turn shades of red and orange when the sun sets behind One World Trade Center and the Manhattan skyline in New York City on November 5, 2025. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo