China Strongly Condemns U.S. Arms Sales to Taiwan and Demands Cancellation of Armed Deals
Department of Strategic Studies and International Relations 21-06-2024
Beijing has expressed strong condemnation, for the second time this month, regarding U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, calling for the cancellation of the approved deals.
Beijing voiced its vehement opposition to Washington’s arms sales to Taiwan for the second time this month, demanding the annulment of the approved agreements.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated, “The United States continues to disregard China’s consistent opposition and official statements by once again approving the sale of American weapons to the separatists in the Chinese region of Taiwan.” He emphasized that Washington’s actions to support the Democratic Progressive Party authorities in their pursuit of “independence” through military buildup would only backfire.
This statement was made as the U.S. State Department approved the sale of drones and missiles to Taiwan on Tuesday, valued at approximately $360 million. This announcement came just two weeks after the U.S. administration decided to sell $80 million worth of spare parts and repairs for F-16 fighter jets to the island.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson highlighted that U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, despite China’s opposition, severely violates the “One China” principle and the three Sino-U.S. joint communiqués, particularly the August 17, 1982 communiqué.
He added that such sales severely undermine the sovereignty of Sino-U.S. relations, as well as peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, sending a grave and erroneous signal to the separatist forces seeking “Taiwan independence.”
Referring to the Taiwan issue as the core of China’s fundamental interests and the foremost red line that must not be crossed in Sino-U.S. relations, Lin Jian stated that no one should underestimate China’s steadfast determination and strong capability to oppose “Taiwan independence” and safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
