China sanctions Lockheed Martin, Raytheon over arms sales to Taiwan

China on Thursday issued new sanctions against Lockheed Martin and Raytheon Technologies for selling arms to Taiwan.

Neither U.S.-based contractor sells defense products to China. But the new sanctions ban them from imports and exports related to China, prohibit senior management from entering the country and cancels residence permits for any staff in China, Reuters reported. 

China also imposed fines on the companies, but it is unclear how it will be enforced.

The Communist-led country sanctioned Lockheed Martin and Raytheon last year over a $100 million weapons sale to Taiwan. Beijing announced sanctions against the companies in 2019 and 2020 but did not explain what the sanctions entailed.

Taiwan, which China sees as a rogue breakaway province, is building up its arms as U.S. officials warn that China could invade in the coming months.