In a recent briefing, China's Ministry of National Defense issued a clear call for the United States to approach the Taiwan question with the utmost prudence, emphasizing the need for stability in cross-strait ties and the broader bilateral relationship.
Ministry spokesperson Jiang Bin addressed the issue during a press briefing this Thursday, responding to queries regarding recent shifts in US defense spending. While the US has paused a significant $14-billion arms sale to the Taiwan region, it has simultaneously incorporated $1 billion into the so-called "Taiwan Security Cooperation Initiative" within its National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027.
Jiang asserted that China's opposition to US arms sales to the Taiwan region remains consistent and unwavering. He stressed that the US side must strictly abide by the one-China principle and the provisions outlined in the three China-US joint communiques, with particular emphasis on the August 17 Communique.
The August 17 Communique, signed in 1982, serves as a cornerstone of the diplomatic understanding between the two powers. In the document, the US government declared its intention to gradually reduce arms sales to Taiwan, aiming for a final resolution over time.
Beyond the specifics of arms transfers, Jiang urged the US to honor its commitments and statements to China. He noted that taking concrete actions to safeguard the stable, sound, and sustainable development of China-US relations, as well as military-to-military ties, is essential for regional peace and security.
For global investors and policymakers, these developments highlight the ongoing complexities of the geopolitical landscape in Asia, where the adherence to established diplomatic frameworks remains critical to avoiding escalation.
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China urges utmost prudence in US approach to Taiwan question
cgtn.com
