China hits Boeing defense, two others with symbolic sanctions

China sanctioned three US defense contractors in a mostly symbolic move that signals its unhappiness with US arms sales to Taiwan the same day the island installs a new leader.

Boeing Defense, Space & Security, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. and General Dynamics Land Systems Inc. were added to an “unreliable entity” list for providing weapons to Taiwan, according to statements on Monday from the Commerce Ministry in Beijing. 

The list aims to punish firms, organizations or individuals that damage national security. Penalties can include restricting trade, investment and visas.

The move comes just as Taiwan swore in a new president, Lai Ching-te. He has pledged to continue fostering close ties with the US, including militarily, much like his predecessor, Tsai Ing-wen. China has vowed to bring Taiwan under its control eventually, by force if necessary.  

The three companies join Lockheed Martin Corp. and a subsidiary of Raytheon Technologies Corp., who were added to the list in early 2023.

The move is likely to have little or no effect on the companies because US defense companies don’t tend to do business in China.

The CEO of the Boeing subsidiary, Ted Colbert, was hit by sanctions from China in 2022.

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