China on Friday (December 26, 2025) imposed sanctions on 20 U.S. defence firms in response to the Trump administration's approval of a record $11.1 billion arms sales package to Taiwan. The Foreign Ministry in a statement warned that any attempt to provoke China on the Taiwan issue would be met with a firm response. It urged the U.S. to abide by the one-China principle and to "stop the dangerous moves of arming Taiwan, stop undermining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, and stop sending wrong signals to 'Taiwan independence' separatist forces". The sanctions were largely seen as symbolic, as most of the targeted US defence firms do not have business operations in China. The proposed arms sales, which require approval by the US Congress, come amid concerns in Taipei over a potential invasion by China, which claims the self-governing island as part of its territory.

Source: The Hindu December 26, 2025 15:53 UTC