Beijing objects to US arms sale to Taiwan Region

World Today

There’s anger in Beijing over the United States’ new plan to sell military equipment to Taiwan. Taipei said the deal would boost the defense of its island, but Beijing is demanding Washington cancel the sale. It’s also warning U.S. ties with China could be affected.

CGTN’s Jim Spellman filed this report.

Beijing is strongly objecting to a new U.S. arms sale to Taiwan. The approved sale, which has not yet been completed, covers parts for U.S.-made F-16 fighter jets, C-130 cargo ships and other military aircraft purchased in the 1990s.

“China expresses strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition towards the planned arms sales to Taiwan, and has already lodged stern representations with the United States,” said Geng Shuang of the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

A statement from the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency reads in part:

“This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security and defensive capability of the recipient, which has been and continues to be an important force for political stability, military balance, and economic progress in the region.”

Taiwan region officials welcome the sale, and said it is part of developing closer security ties with the U.S. Beijing said the sale violates the “One China” policy that the U.S. has committed to, dating back to the 1970s.

“China urges the United States to faithfully abide by the promise made in the three Sino-U.S. Joint Communiques, immediately withdraw the above-mentioned arms sale plan, stop military contacts with Taiwan, to avoid serious harm to Sino-U.S. relations, peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and Sino-U.S. cooperation in major areas,” Geng said.

The cleared arms sale comes as more countries are turning away from Taiwan and forging formal relations with Beijing and the Peoples Republic of China. That includes the Dominican Republic and El Salvador, which both switched diplomatic allegiances just this year.