Beijing Slams 'Serious Violation' of One-China Principle
China has issued forceful condemnations of the United States' latest arms sales to the Taiwan region, calling the move a dangerous provocation that undermines regional stability. Defense Ministry spokesperson Jiang Bin stated on Friday that the $300 million weapons package approved this week 'severely damages China-U.S. strategic mutual trust' and violates Washington's longstanding commitments.
Cross-Strait Tensions Intensify
The Chinese Foreign Ministry separately warned that arming Taiwan constitutes 'blatant interference in China's internal affairs,' with spokesperson Guo Jiakun emphasizing: 'No matter how many advanced weapons are sold, they cannot stop the historical trend of reunification.' Officials highlighted increased military readiness, with the People's Liberation Army conducting live-fire drills near the Taiwan Strait this month.
Economic and Human Costs Criticized
Jiang accused Taiwan's leadership of 'squandering public funds on U.S. arms dealers' while compromising regional security. Analysts note this development comes as Taiwan region residents face rising living costs, with recent polls showing 58% oppose increased defense spending at the expense of social programs.
Global Implications
The controversy emerges during delicate U.S.-China trade negotiations, with Beijing warning that bilateral relations 'cannot improve without resolving the Taiwan question.' Southeast Asian nations have called for restraint, while the UN Secretary-General's office reiterated support for peaceful dispute resolution through dialogue.
