The Chinese government has decided to impose countermeasures against 13 U.S. military companies and six senior executives for arms sales to China's Taiwan region, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said at a press conference on Thursday.
The announcement was also published on the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs ahead of the press conference.
The countermeasures include freezing the movable, immovable, and all other types of property in China belonging to the 13 U.S. military enterprises and six senior executives. The measures also prohibit them from engaging in transactions, cooperation, or any other activities with organizations and individuals in China. Additionally, the senior executives will be denied visas and entry into China, including Hong Kong and Macao.
The ministry said the decision will become effective on December 5, 2024.
"The Taiwan question is the very core of China's core interests. Recently, the United States has once again announced plans for arms sales to the Taiwan region, which seriously violates the one-China principle and the three China-U.S. joint communiques, which means serious interference in China's internal affairs, and which seriously undermines China's sovereignty and territorial integrity. According to the relevant provisions of China's Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law, China has decided to take countermeasures against related U.S. military companies and senior executives," said Lin.
"China urges the United States to abide by the one-China principle and the three China-U.S. joint communiques, especially the August 17 Communique, stop arms sale to Taiwan and stop abetting and supporting separatist forces in Taiwan who are seeking independence by building up its military," he said.
China decides to take countermeasures against US military companies, senior executives: spokesman
China decides to take countermeasures against US military companies, senior executives: spokesman
China decides to take countermeasures against US military companies, senior executives: spokesman
The fourth rehearsal for the 2025 Spring Festival Gala deeply moved the audience with performances highlighting grassroots workers and stories of ordinary lives, capturing the essence of modern China.
The China Media Group (CMG) held the fourth rehearsal for the 2025 Spring Festival Gala on Wednesday to further hone the widely anticipated grand show on the eve of the Chinese Lunar New Year will falls on Jan. 29 this year
The rehearsal featured singing, dancing, and traditional operas, with the performers fully prepared and delivering outstanding performances. The flow of the gala was more refined and more smoothly coordinated, and the atmosphere of the gala rehearsal was infused with joy, laughter, and a festive Spring Festival spirit.
Highlights of the gala included a song on the endeavors of Chinese modernization performed by grassroots workers, a heartwarming song with a delicate melody, reflecting the beauty of everyday life, and traditional Chinese operas presented by both renowned artists and emerging talents.
As part of an initiative to bring the public into the rehearsal process, ordinary people were invited to sit in the audience and witness these stunning performances.
Among them were young artist Chen Hanyu, community police officer Chen Liangshun, and graduate student Wu Xinyu from China Agricultural University, all experiencing the vibrant atmosphere of the upcoming Spring Festival.
"I was particularly captivated by the Peking Opera performance. The martial arts moves, combined with high-tech stage effects, were amazing. As an art influencer fond of storytelling, I often capture the extraordinary stories of ordinary families. Watching the Spring Festival Gala has really inspired me," said the young artist.
"The Gala's portrayal of grassroots stories really moved me. As a student at China Agricultural University, we spend over 300 days a year at the Science and Technology Backyard (STB), living and working alongside farmers, as well as serving them on the frontline of production. The spirit showcased in the Gala resonated deeply with me," shared the student, referring to STB, a science and technology service platform established on the front line of production, such as rural areas and enterprises, that integrates agricultural science and technology innovation, demonstration and promotion, and talent training.
"During the Spring Festival, we sometimes mediate disputes between neighbors or family members, which is quite similar to the conflicts portrayed on the stage. The Spring Festival Gala truly reflects real life and connects with the people," said Chen Liangshun.
The gala, also known as "Chunwan" in Chinese, has been broadcast live annually since 1983, and has been seen as a major cultural symbol for the traditional Lunar New Year celebrations in China.
This year's event will be aired on Jan 28, the eve of the Chinese Lunar New Year. It will also be the first edition since Spring Festival's successful inclusion on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Grassroots performances shine in 4th rehearsal for 2025 Spring Festival Gala
