Lockheed Martin, Boeing Defense and Raytheon would be sanctioned, the spokesman Zhao Lijian told a news conference in the Chinese capital on Monday. He did not say what those sanctions would entail.

The US State Department has approved the potential sale of three weapons systems to Taiwan, including sensors, missiles and artillery that could have a total value of $US1.8 billion ($A2.5 billion), the Pentagon said last week.

China strongly condemned the sale of arms to Taiwan, Zhao said. Beijing considers Taiwan a wayward province it has vowed to bring under control, by force if necessary.

China has sanctioned US companies in the past, including Lockheed Martin, for selling weapons to Taiwan, though it is unclear what form they have taken.

The United States, like most countries, has no official diplomatic ties with Taiwan but Washington is bound by law to provide the island with the means to defend itself.

A Boeing spokesman said the company's partnership with China's aviation community had long-term benefits and that Boeing remained committed to it.

Lockheed Martin and Raytheon did not immediately respond to emailed requests for comment.

The Trump administration has ramped up support for Taiwan through arms sales and visits by senior US officials, adding to tensions in relations between Beijing and Washington, already strained by disagreements over the South China Sea, Hong Kong, human rights and trade.

Australian Associated Press