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China condemns US weapons deal with Taipei, warns of counteract

Tuesday, 08 February 2022 11:10 AM [ Last Update: Tuesday, 08 February 2022 11:38 AM ]

China's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian

China has condemned the $100 million US arms sale to Chinese Taipei, warning that it “seriously” undermines peace and stability in the region.

China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said on Tuesday the latest planned sale "seriously undermines" the relations between Washington and Beijing, as well as peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

He also said that China would take measures to uphold its own security interests.

"China will take legitimate and strong measures to uphold its own sovereignty and security interests," the spokesman told a daily news briefing.

On Monday, the US approved the sale of equipment and services worth $100 million to Taipei to boost its Patriot missile defense system.

China urges US to stop sending wrong signals to ‘Taiwan independence’ forces

China has urged the US to stop sending wrong signals to the ‘Taiwan independence’ forces.

Taipei on Tuesday expressed "gratitude" to Washington for approving the deal.

"This is the second arms sale to Taiwan since President Joe Biden took office and the first time this year," Taipei's presidential spokesman Xavier Chang said in a statement, adding "It ... reflects the rock-solid partnership between Taiwan and the US."

According to Taipei's defense ministry, the deal is expected to take effect next month.

Biden approved its first sale of $750m in weapons to Taipei in August.

China has repeatedly called on the US to strictly abide by the "One China" principle when handling issues related to Taipei, warning that Beijing has no room for compromise on issues involving its core interests, including its territorial integrity.

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