China hits back at U.S. sanctions restricting its exports to American defense firms

The U.S. and Chinese flag at the Great Hall of the People prior to the state dinner of President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping on May 14, 2026, in Beijing.

China on Monday announced sanctions on 10 American military-related companies in response to a recent U.S. move that bars some leading Chinese tech companies from defense contracts.

(Image credit: Mark Schiefelbein)