The Chinese government placed sanctions on seven companies on Friday in response to recent U.S. announcements of military sales and aid to Taiwan, the self-governing island that China claims as part of its territory.

China has sanctioned seven military industrial companies and related senior executives over U.S. arms assistance and sales to Taiwan, the Chinese foreign ministry said on Friday.

China on Friday slapped sanctions on seven US companies after Washington's approval last week of a $571.3 million military aid package to Taiwan, which Beijing said infringed on its "sovereignty and territory".

The US recently approved $571.3 million in defence support for Taiwan, after giving the go-ahead to arms sales worth an estimated $385 million.

Chinese Foreign Ministry on Friday announced the decision to take countermeasures against seven US military companies and relevant senior executives over recent military assistance and arms sales to China's Taiwan region.

China has sanctioned seven military industrial companies and related senior executives over US arms assistance and sales to Taiwan, the Chinese foreign

Taiwan aims to involve a range of people, including taxi drivers and security guards, to respond to emergencies.

Taiwan conducted its first war game to help prepare for a potential escalation of conflict with China. Dozens of government agencies at various levels and citizen groups participated in the exercises.