China’s Ministry of National Defense has called on the United States to cease all forms of arms sales to the Taiwan region, emphasizing the need for stable relations between the two nations and their militaries. The appeal comes after the U.S. State Department approved a potential sale of drones and missiles to Taiwan, estimated at $360 million.
At a press briefing on Friday, Ministry spokesperson Wu Qian stated that the U.S. arms sales to the Taiwan region seriously violate the one-China principle and the three China-U.S. joint communiques, particularly the August 17 Communique. “Such actions damage China’s sovereignty and security interests, undermine the relationship between the two countries and their militaries, and threaten peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait,” Wu said.
Wu emphasized that China strongly opposes these sales and has lodged solemn representations with the U.S. side. He attributed the biggest threat to peace and stability across the Strait to the Taiwan region’s Democratic Progressive Party authorities’ attempts to “use force to seek independence,” along with the U.S. “using force to assist independence.”
“The U.S. has repeatedly sold arms to Taiwan, using the hard-earned money of people in Taiwan to benefit its military-industrial complex, effectively turning Taiwan into a powder keg,” Wu remarked. He warned that the Chinese People’s Liberation Army will strengthen military training to “resolutely crush all separatist forces seeking ‘Taiwan independence.'”
China urges the U.S. to honor its commitment to not support “Taiwan independence,” cease arms sales to the Taiwan region, and take practical actions to maintain stability in bilateral relations.
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Chinese defense ministry urges U.S. to stop arming Taiwan region
cgtn.com
