Beijing calls on the US to stop “dangerous steps” that undermine “peace and stability” in the Taiwan Strait.
China has warned the United States not to “play with fire” after Washington announced more Military aid and sales to Taiwan.
A statement from China’s Foreign Ministry on Sunday called on the US to stop its “dangerous steps that undermine peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.”
China, which has increased political and military pressure on Taiwan in recent years, has repeatedly called on the United States to stop arms and aid supplies to Taiwan, which Beijing claims as part of its territory.
The US does not officially recognize Taiwan diplomatically, but it is the self-ruled island’s strategic ally and largest arms supplier.
On Friday, the White House said the outgoing Biden administration had approved up to $571.3 million in defense aid for Taiwan. While the White House statement did not provide details about the package, it came less than three months after announcing $567 million in aid.
“This move constitutes a serious violation of China’s sovereignty and security interests,” China’s Foreign Ministry said, adding that it “strongly rejects this measure.” China has “submitted stern representations to the US at the earliest opportunity,” it said.
China’s Taiwan Affairs Office said such U.S. actions “contradict its leaders’ sincere commitments” not to support “Taiwan’s independence.”
“We demand that the US immediately stop arming Taiwan and approach the Taiwan issue with utmost caution,” Chinese bureau spokeswoman Zhu Fenglian said, according to state broadcaster CCTV.
In October, the US approved $2 billion in arms sales to Taiwan, including the first delivery of an advanced surface-to-air missile defense system China’s criticism and his army’s war exercises around Taiwan.
Earlier this month, Taiwan demanded that China stop its ongoing military activities in nearby waters, which it said undermined peace and stability and disrupted international shipping and trade.
US President-elect Donald Trump has said he will not commit to defending Taiwan if China invades during his presidency. Trump also said Taiwan should pay the US to defend it against China, likening the relationship to insurance.
