On Sunday, the Chinese Foreign Ministry expressed strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to the United States’ approval of a potential arms sale to Taiwan, valued at an estimated $385 million. The proposed sale includes spare parts for F-16 jets and radar equipment.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated that the decision is inconsistent with U.S. leaders’ commitment to not supporting “Taiwan independence.” The spokesperson emphasized that the arms sale constitutes a severe breach of international law, sends a gravely wrong signal to “Taiwan independence” separatist forces, and is detrimental to China-U.S. relations and peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.
“We call on the U.S. to immediately stop arming Taiwan and stop abetting and supporting ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist forces in seeking ‘Taiwan independence’ by building up its military,” the Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a statement. “China will take strong and resolute countermeasures to firmly defend national sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity.”
Furthermore, the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office on Sunday warned that the administration of Lai Ching-te is wasting resources on weaponry that does not enhance the safety of the Taiwan region. A statement released by the office declared that clinging to the United States in a bid to seek “independence” is doomed to failure, and any attempt to “seek independence by force” will only push Taiwan closer to the brink of war.
“The Taiwan question is at the very core of China’s core interests, and no individual or force should underestimate the Chinese people’s firm will and strong capacity to defend their own national sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the statement added.
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China opposes U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, lodges solemn protests
cgtn.com
