China Condemns US Arms Sales to Taiwan, Warns of Retaliatory Measures

Taipei [Taiwan], December 2: China has strongly condemned the United States' decision to approve additional arms sales to Taiwan, calling for an immediate halt to what it described as "erroneous signals" supporting Taiwan independence, according to Taiwan News. The Chinese foreign ministry demanded that the US cease all official interactions with Taiwan and stop arming the island.

In a statement cited by Al Jazeera, China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, "US arms sale to Taiwan sends a wrong signal to the island's Taiwan independence forces and undermines US-China relations." The ministry warned that China would "closely follow developments and take resolute and strong measures to defend our nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity."

The arms package reportedly includes F-16 spare parts and mobile subscriber equipment worth approximately USD 385 million. Su Tzu-yun, Director of the Institute for National Defense and Security Research, stated that the additional equipment would enhance Taiwan's wartime preparedness, particularly its air defense capabilities.

Meanwhile, Taiwan's President has embarked on a diplomatic tour of South Pacific allies, including stops in Hawaii, the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, Guam, and Palau. The tour, running from November 30 to December 6, highlights themes of smart sustainability, sustainable democracy, and sustainable diplomacy, as reported by Taiwan News.

"Taiwan will continue expanding partnerships and demonstrate to the world that it is not only a model of democracy but also a crucial force for global peace, stability, and prosperity," President Lai Ching-te stated last week.

China has expressed strong opposition to the visits, reiterating its adherence to the "One-China" principle and urging the US to honor the three China-US joint communiques. The Chinese foreign ministry accused the arms sale of harming peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and further straining US-China relations.

This development underscores the growing tensions between the US and China over Taiwan, as the island continues to bolster its defense capabilities amid increasing pressure from Beijing.