China imposed, today, Wednesday, August 3, 2022, economic sanctions against Taiwan, as a response to the visit of the US House speaker, Nancy Pelosi, to the island.

The Chinese Ministry of Commerce also announced “the suspension of the export of natural sand to Taiwan” starting from today, Wednesday, without giving any explanation, according to AFP.

It is noteworthy to say that natural sand is usually used in the manufacture of cement and asphalt, and Taiwan relies heavily on China for its supply.

Also, China is Taiwan's largest trading partner, with trade exchange increasing by 26 percent in 2021, reaching $328 billion.

Pelosi's visit to Taiwan, the highest US official to visit Taipei in a quarter of a century, angered the Chinese authorities, who responded by condemning her arrival and launching military exercises in the waters around Taiwan, which it considers part of China.