China's foreign ministry announces sanctions on US companies and individuals for selling arms to Taiwan. The sanctions target 13 firms engaged in the production of drones, unmanned aerial systems and other military products. They also cover six top executives at companies including Raytheon and BAE Systems. "The Taiwan issue is the at the core of China's core interests," China's foreign ministry spokesman, Lin Jian, said at a regular press briefing. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES