Whatever support secessionists get, 'independence' ain't going to happen

By announcing a new round of sanctions on three US companies for their involvement in arms sales to China's Taiwan island on Monday, Beijing has sent an unmistakable message to the United States that it has both the resolve and the means to counter any challenge to the one-China principle.

Boeing's Defense, Space & Security unit, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, and General Dynamics Land Systems have been added to China's Unreliable Entities list. Their inclusion on the list, which was established in February 2023, means the three US companies will face a ban on trade with China, as well as huge fines.

Given the US companies' role in selling arms to Taiwan and the damage that may do to peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, China is fully justified in taking such a decisive measure. The move serves to drive home the message that Beijing will respond forcefully to any actions that might undermine China's sovereignty and territorial integrity.