TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — China said it is removing sanctions on U.S. communications company Viasat Inc. on Monday (July 22), on which it imposed the measures for supplying Taiwan's military.

China foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning (毛寧) said China decided to cancel the sanctions against Viasat “in view of changes in circumstances.” No further details were provided.

CNA reported that this marks the first time China has lifted sanctions on a U.S. company supplying defense equipment to Taiwan. The sanctions were imposed in January after the U.S. approved an estimated US$300 million (NT$9.85 billion) in weapons sales to Taiwan, and were also applied to four other companies.

Speaking at a regular press briefing, Mao was responding to questions about reports of possible business cooperation between Viasat and Chinese companies. Viasat operates subsidiaries that provide satellite communications services in China, according to Bloomberg News.