China has strongly condemned the United States’ recent announcement of a $2 billion arms sale package to the Taiwan region, which for the first time includes surface-to-air missile systems and radar. The Chinese Foreign Ministry has lodged formal protests, stating that Beijing will “take resolute countermeasures and take all necessary measures to firmly defend national sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity.”
The arms deal comes at a time when Lai Ching-te, the new leader of the Taiwan region, is seeking to amplify Taiwan’s international presence. While Lai avoids openly declaring independence—a move that could lead to military conflict—he is actively pursuing policies that distance the Taiwan region from the Chinese mainland.
Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office, commented on October 27 in response to the U.S. arms sales, stating that since the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authority led by Lai came to power, it has attempted to “rely on the United States to seek independence” and “seek independence by military means,” escalating cross-strait confrontation.
The DPP authority has received support from certain factions in Washington, who continue to use Taiwan as a strategic pawn in their efforts to contain China. As China has emerged as a major economic and political power in recent decades, the “Taiwan card” has gained increased significance in U.S. foreign policy, especially as the United States now views China as a “major rival.”
Despite official statements from U.S. President Joe Biden’s administration reaffirming the longstanding One-China policy and asserting that the United States does not support Taiwan independence, recent actions—including the substantial arms package—appear to contradict these assurances.
China has called on the United States to align its actions with its words, emphasizing the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. Beijing urges Washington to cease arms sales to the Taiwan region and to stop supporting separatist forces, warning that continued provocation could lead to serious consequences for bilateral relations and regional stability.
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U.S. needs more than 'sweet words' to prove its peaceful intentions
cgtn.com
