China sanctions Lockheed Martin, Raytheon
Only days ago the U.S. approved a new package of arms sales to Taiwan.
It included upgrades to Patriot air-defense missile systems.
Now comes China's response.
On Monday (February 21) Beijing said it was imposing sanctions on defense contractors Raytheon and Lockheed Martin.
It's least the third time the country has penalised the firms, though no details were given of the latest measures.
China said it had to act after the latest deal undermined "peace and stability" in the region.
It regards the island as a breakaway province that must accept Chinese sovereignty.
Beijing has never renounced the possibility of using force to achieve that goal.
Over the past two years it has stepped up military and diplomatic pressure on the island's government.
Now the effects of the sanctions may be largely symbolic, as the U.S. does not sell arms to China.
However, Washington is legally bound to provide Taiwan with the means to self-defense, and its weapons sales always spark Chinese anger.
