China has reiterated its strong opposition to U.S. arms sales to the Taiwan region during a Wednesday press conference, with a senior official warning such actions threaten regional stability and violate Beijing's sovereignty.
Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, called recent reports of potential record-high U.S. arms sales to Taiwan in 2024 "a grave provocation" that undermines cross-strait peace. "We have always, clearly and resolutely opposed U.S. arms sales to China's Taiwan region," Zhu stated, emphasizing that Taiwan remains an inseparable part of Chinese territory.
The spokesperson criticized Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities for diverting funds meant for public welfare to military purchases, arguing this "squanders resources that could improve livelihoods" on the island. Zhu accused external forces of using Taiwan as "a pawn" in geopolitical strategies while urging Washington to honor the one-China principle and commitments made in the three China-U.S. joint communiques.
Observers note the timing coincides with increased U.S. congressional visits to Taiwan and growing military cooperation between Washington and the island. Beijing maintains that peaceful reunification remains the ultimate goal but has consistently warned against any moves toward formal independence.
