BEIJING — The Chinese Defense Ministry has strongly criticized the United States over its recent approval of a $1.988 billion arms sale to Taiwan, urging Washington to halt all military ties with the island.
On October 26, the U.S. Defense Department announced that the State Department had greenlit the significant arms deal to Taiwan, which includes surface-to-air missile systems and advanced radar equipment. The move has been met with sharp disapproval from Beijing.
Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang addressed the issue on Thursday, stating that the U.S. has crossed a “red line” by sending a wrong signal to separatist forces in Taiwan. Zhang emphasized that the arms sale undermines China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and exacerbates tensions across the Taiwan Strait.
“We strongly urge the United States to immediately cancel the planned arms sales and cease military interactions with Taiwan,” Zhang remarked. “Any interference in China’s internal affairs is unacceptable and will be met with firm countermeasures.”
The arms deal marks one of the significant military transactions between the U.S. and Taiwan in recent years, further straining the already complex China-U.S. relations. Analysts suggest that this move could have far-reaching implications for regional stability and international diplomatic dynamics.
The Taiwan region has been a longstanding sensitive issue in China-U.S. relations. Beijing considers Taiwan an inalienable part of its territory and has consistently opposed any form of foreign intervention. The latest development adds to a series of tensions, including trade disputes and disagreements over the South China Sea.
Global observers are closely watching how this situation unfolds, considering its potential impact on international relations and regional security in Asia. The escalation underscores the delicate balance required in diplomatic engagements involving major global powers and the Taiwan region.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
