Beijing made the decision after the US called for arms sales to Taiwan and imposed sanctions on Chinese businesses and individuals.
China authorities described the arms sales by Washington to Taiwan as a “blatant violation of the one-China principle.”
Wang Yi also emphasised that US sanctions against China and individuals “seriously harm China’s sovereignty and security interests.”
“In response to these gravely wrong actions taken by the US and in accordance with China’s Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law, China has decided to sanction five US defense industry companies, namely BAE Systems Land and Armament, Alliant Techsystems Operation, AeroVironment, ViaSat and Data Link Solutions,” the statement said.
China, which considers Taiwan a seceded province, does not recognise the median line and air defence zone.
US sanctions also “undermine the peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, and violate the legitimate and lawful rights and interests of” sanctioned-Chinese actors, according to the statement.
