China Targets Lockheed Martin Over Taiwan Arms Sale

China will put sanctions on Lockheed Martin for involvement in the latest US arms sale to Taiwan, Beijing said on Tuesday, adding tension to its troubled relationship with Washington.

The weapons maker is the main contractor for a US$620 million upgrade package for Taiwan's Patriot surface-to-air missiles, which the US government approved last week.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian called on the United States to stop selling weapons to Taiwan to "avoid further harming Sino-US ties and peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait".

"In order to safeguard the country's interests, China has decided to take necessary steps, and put sanctions on the main contractor for this sale, Lockheed Martin," Zhao told reporters, without giving details.

The company did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

China has announced similar sanctions before on US companies for Taiwan arms sales, though it is unclear what form they have taken. (Reuters)