Advertisement
China vows to hit back at US$750 million US arms sale to Taiwan
- Beijing says the sale sends the wrong signal to Taiwanese independence forces
- Taipei says the weapons will help it maintain rock-solid self-defence and regional peace and stability
Reading Time:2 minutes
Why you can trust SCMP
99+
Beijing has vowed to retaliate against Washington over the approval of the first arms sale to Taiwan by the administration of US President Joe Biden.
The Chinese foreign ministry said on Thursday that the US$750 million arms sales package, which includes 40 self-propelled artillery units, was a serious infringement of China’s sovereignty and security interests.
“It is sending a wrong signal to Taiwanese independence forces, and causing serious damage to China-US relations and the stability of the Taiwan Strait. China resolutely opposes [the sale] and has made a solemn representation to the US,” it said.
Advertisement
“China will take countermeasures to defend its legitimate interests.”
Beijing has condemned Washington’s previous military sales to Taiwan, saying such support undermines China’s sovereignty and violates the “three US-China communiques” – joint statements that included an agreement by the United States to gradually decrease arms sales to the island.
Advertisement
The administration of Biden’s predecessor, Donald Trump, approved the sale of US$1.8 billion in weapons to the island last year, prompting Beijing to sanction a number of US contractors and individuals for their “egregious role in the process”.
Advertisement
Select Voice
Select Speed
1.00x