The Chinese government has placed sanctions on seven companies 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.

Taiwan has held its first tabletop war game amid rising tensions with China.The exercise simulates military escalation and involves government and civil groups.Taiwan aims to train 50,000 volunteers for emergencies amid China's military drills.

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.

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".