China hits back after US decision sparks anger. The move against American arms companies

China's Foreign Ministry announced on Friday the imposition of sanctions against 10 individuals and 20 US defense companies, including Boeing's branch in St. Louis, because of the fact that they sell weapons to Taiwan, informs Reuters.

The measures freeze all assets that companies and individuals hold in China and prohibit organizations and individuals from the Asian country from doing business with them, the ministry said.

Individuals on the list, including the founder of defense company Anduril Industries and nine executives of companies placed on the sanctions list, are also banned from entering China, the ministry added.

Other companies targeted by the sanctions imposed on Friday include Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation and L3Harris Maritime Services.

The move follows Washington's announcement last week of $11.1 billion worth of arms sales to Taiwan, the largest US arms package to date to the democratic island, a decision which, according to Reuters, has angered Beijing.

The proposed arms sales cover eight items, including HIMARS missile systems, howitzers, Javelin anti-tank missiles, Altius drones with guided munitions and parts for other equipment, Taiwan's defense ministry said in a statement last Thursday.

“The Taiwan issue is the core of China's fundamental interests and the first red line that cannot be crossed in China-US relations,” a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said in a statement on Friday.

“Any provocative actions that cross the line on the Taiwan issue will receive a firm response from China,” Beijing's statement added, urging the US to stop “dangerous” efforts to arm the island.

China considers Taiwan to be part of its territory, a claim rejected by Taipei.

The United States is required by law to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself, although arms sales are a constant source of tension with China.