China slams latest US arms sales to Taiwan, vows ‘countermeasures’
China has vowed “countermeasures” to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity condemning the $2 billion weapons sales by the United States to Taiwan.
The Pentagon said on Friday that the US government had approved a potential $2bn arms sale package to Taiwan, including the delivery of an advanced air defense missile system, including advanced surface-to-air missile systems and radar.
In a statement late Saturday, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said it strongly condemns and firmly opposes the sales and has lodged “solemn representations” with the United States.
China urged the United States to immediately stop arming Taiwan and stop its dangerous moves that undermine peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.
“China will take resolute countermeasures and take all measures necessary to firmly defend national sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity,” it added.
Over the past years, the Chinese leadership stepped up China’s military activities around Taipei, whose government rejects Beijing’s sovereignty over the island, including staging a new round of military drills this month.
Taipei welcomed the new arms sale, the 17th of the Biden administration to the island.
“In the face of China’s threats, Taiwan is duty-bound to protect its homeland, and will continue to demonstrate its determination to defend itself,” Taipei claimed.
The potential $2 billion arms sale package to Taiwan is waiting for approval by the US Congress.
According to the Pentagon, the deal is also for three NASAMS medium-range air defense solutions that include the advanced AMRAAM Extended Range surface-to-air missiles.
China has regularly protested the US sales of weaponry to Taipei, slamming Washington for backing secessionist advocates in Taiwan. Beijing sees ties with Taipei as meddling in Chinese domestic affairs.
Beijing’s opposition to any official diplomatic relations between the United States and Chinese Taipei is legally based on the internationally-recognized “One-China” principle, accepted by the United States.
China maintains that Taiwan is an inalienable part of it, based on the law.
The Chinese government has repeatedly told Washington to stop sending wrong signals to separatist forces on the self-ruled island.
Beijing says the sale of weapons to Chinese Taipei is against international law, upsetting regional security.
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