China Denounces US Arms Deal with Taiwan and President Lai’s Stopovers in Hawaii and Guam

International News Department 02-12-2024

China has voiced strong opposition to the United States’ recent arms sale to Taiwan and Taiwanese President William Lai Ching-te’s transit through Hawaii, pledging “firm countermeasures” in response to what it considers provocative actions.

In a statement released on Sunday, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs criticized the US decision to sell military equipment to Taiwan, labeling it a move that sends “an incorrect signal” to pro-independence forces on the island and harms US-China relations. “China will closely monitor the situation and take strong and decisive actions to safeguard our sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the ministry stated.

The US, despite lacking formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan, is legally obligated to supply the island with defense capabilities—a policy that continues to frustrate Beijing. China views Taiwan as a breakaway province, while Taiwan rejects these sovereignty claims.

The latest arms package, approved by the US State Department and valued at approximately $385 million, includes spare parts and support for F-16 fighter jets and radar systems. The announcement coincided with President Lai’s international tour, which involves visits to the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, and Palau, with transit stops in Hawaii and Guam. These nations are among the few that formally recognize Taiwan’s statehood.

China’s Foreign Ministry issued another statement on Sunday condemning the US for facilitating Lai’s stopovers. It confirmed that Beijing had lodged formal protests with Washington and reiterated its opposition to any official interactions between the US and Taiwan.

President Lai, whom Beijing has labeled a “separatist,” sparked further ire during his stop in Hawaii. Wearing a Hawaiian shirt, Lai visited the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor and emphasized the importance of preventing conflict. “Peace is invaluable, and war has no winners,” he remarked. His office noted that the reception he received at Honolulu International Airport, including a “red carpet treatment” and greetings from Hawaii Governor Josh Green, marked a historic first for a Taiwanese leader.

Lai also expressed gratitude to the US for its support during his trip, which aims to strengthen Taiwan’s relationships with its Pacific allies. After Hawaii, he is set to continue his journey, focusing on bolstering ties with nations that maintain official diplomatic relations with Taiwan.

China has repeatedly warned against actions that it perceives as threats to its sovereignty, framing both the arms deal and Lai’s visit as escalations that undermine regional stability.