On June 2, Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun delivered a tough speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, threatening that anyone attempting to split Taiwan “will end up with crushed bones and self-destruction.” Dong Jun’s harsh words were widely reported by the media. However, like many previous aggressive statements from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), this was another display of bravado, intended to show a facade of toughness in front of the unsuspecting Chinese populace.
Shortly after Dong Jun’s threatening remarks, the United States delivered a strong rebuke. Firstly, U.S. President Biden reiterated in an interview with TIME Magazine that the possibility of the U.S. using force to protect Taiwan is not ruled out. This was at least the fourth time he made such a statement. Will the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) be able to crush U.S. forces, or will they themselves be crushed under U.S. retaliation?
In another move, a consortium of 27 U.S. defense industry companies arrived in Taiwan to participate in the “Taiwan-U.S. Defense Industry Forum” held on June 6. The forum aimed to explore potential cooperation with Taiwan’s defense industry. These companies included well-known arms dealers such as Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, BAE Systems, and the U.S. Naval Tactical Systems company, known for producing unmanned attack boats. Led by former U.S. Marine Corps commander Rud, the delegation not only participated in the forum but also visited Taiwan’s National Defense Academy, Aerospace Corp, and held meetings with senior Taiwanese government officials.
Furthermore, it was reported that the Pentagon established a “Taiwan Special Team” for the first time in history, aimed at expediting the efficiency and coordination of arms deliveries to Taiwan. According to previous arms sales contracts with the U.S., precision strike-capable High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, F-16V fighter jets, and MQ-9B unmanned drones capable of targeting and bombing from high altitudes, will be delivered to Taiwan within three years. The U.S. House Appropriations Committee also proposed $500 million in support for Taiwan in the 2025 budget bill.
On the 5th, the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency announced a new round of arms sales to Taiwan totaling $300 million, including approximately $220 million for F-16 fighter jet spare parts and repair components, and about $80 million for non-standard spare parts and related equipment.
These U.S. actions, particularly the accelerated arms deliveries to Taiwan and provision of advanced weaponry, are a clear warning to Beijing’s leadership in Zhongnanhai: do not misjudge America’s determination to defend Taiwan. Should the CCP initiate a conflict, the U.S. will not stand idly by. The U.S. and Taiwan are working together to prepare for any potential military action by the mainland.
The four “slaps” delivered by the U.S. have left the CCP frustrated and helpless. In an attempt to save face domestically, the CCP may consider imposing sanctions on certain U.S. defense companies once again. However, will this be effective?
As early as January this year, China announced sanctions on five U.S. defense companies in response to the latest U.S. arms sales to Taiwan and sanctions against Chinese companies and individuals. The sanctioned U.S. companies included BAE Systems, United Technologies Operations, Aerospace Environmental, ViaSat, and Data Link Solutions, among others. The CCP threatened to freeze the assets of these companies within China and prohibit individuals or organizations in China from engaging in transactions or cooperation with them.
Just two days after Taiwan’s presidential inauguration ceremony on May 22, China once again announced sanctions on 12 U.S. defense companies and ten senior executives in response to U.S. arms sales to Taiwan and sanctions against Chinese companies aiding Russia. The sanctioned U.S. companies included Lockheed Martin subsidiaries, Raytheon, General Dynamics, and Boeing Defense, Space & Security. The measures contained freezing assets, real estate in China, and other properties of these companies, and banning entry of their executives into China.
However, which of the U.S. defense companies on the CCP’s sanctions list actually care? Even when faced with repeated sanctions, they continue to do business with Taiwan as usual. While profit may be their primary motive, they are not willing to go against U.S. government regulations to appease the CCP and compromise American interests. Instead, they follow the footsteps of the U.S. government, accept orders from the U.S. Department of Defense, and continue arms sales to Taiwan. Moreover, the presence of these sanctioned defense companies in China represents a very insignificant portion of their overall business operations. This leaves the CCP embarrassed and feeling powerless.
What truly infuriates and envies the CCP are the advanced weapons and equipment sold by the U.S. to Taiwan: the new M88A2 armored recovery vehicle, M109A7 155mm self-propelled howitzer, “Spring Knife” cruise missile system, tactical radio systems providing electronic intelligence on the battlefield like the Multi-functional Information Distribution System (MIDS), Link-16 tactical data link, F-16 fighter jets… Could the PLA handle these in actual combat situations?
It’s no wonder that when the CCP imposed sanctions on U.S. defense companies, netizens mocked them: “Are they having another episode? They keep trying to interfere in other countries’ affairs. If the CCP has the guts, they should sanction TSMC!”
“I also announce unilateral sanctions on Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Koenigsegg from now on.”
———————————–
The comments from netizens once again expose the CCP’s bluster and helplessness, making them a laughingstock. If Beijing’s leadership in Zhongnanhai ignores U.S. deterrence and opens the gates to military reunification, they should be prepared for actual self-destruction!