China condemns US military support for Taiwan
3 Min Read
The conflict between China and the United States over Taiwan is intensifying, with its latest manifestation being increasing US military aid to Taiwan.
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A podium with the national emblem of the People's Republic of China and a logo for China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs are seen before a daily briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs office in Beijing, China, on November 19, 2015. (AP)
China has strongly condemned and strongly opposed the United States’ recent military assistance and arms sales to Taiwan. A spokesperson from the Chinese Foreign Ministry announced on Sunday that the government lodged solemn representations with Washington.
This comes after the White House disclosed a military assistance package for Taiwan on Saturday, valued at $571.3 million, while the US Department of Defense confirmed the State Department's approval of arms sales amounting to $295 million.
The Chinese spokesperson emphasized that these actions breached the One China Principle and violated the three joint communiques between China and the United States, particularly the August 17, 1982, Communique, which reaffirms China's sovereignty and security concerns.
The spokesperson also asserted that the US decision constitutes a significant violation of commitments made by US leaders to oppose "Taiwan independence," cautioning that it sends a dangerously misguided signal to separatist forces pushing for Taiwan's independence.
Emphasizing the sensitivity of the Taiwan issue, the spokesperson described it as the "cornerstone of China’s core interests" and a critical red line in China-US relations, stressing that “To aid ‘Taiwan independence’ by arming Taiwan is akin to playing with fire, and will ultimately lead to repercussions for the United States,” asserting that attempts to use the Taiwan question as a means to contain China are destined to fail.
November package
China has urged the US to halt its arms support for Taiwan and refrain from actions that threaten peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, concluding with a strong statement that China will take all necessary measures to protect its national sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity.
It is worth noting that the latest package comes after the Pentagon authorized a $385 million sale of F-16 jet and radar spare parts to Taiwan.
According to the Pentagon's Defense Security Cooperation Agency on November 30, the approved sale includes $320 million worth of spare parts and support for F-16 fighter jets, as well as Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radars and related equipment.
The State Department has also authorized a potential $65 million sale to Taiwan for enhanced mobile subscriber equipment and related support, the Pentagon announced, with General Dynamics being the primary contractor.
