Beijing 'Firmly Opposes' US Arms Sales To Taiwan: FM Spox

Spokesman for the Chinese Foreign Ministry Zhao Lijian has stated Beijing 'firmly opposes and strongly condemns' US arms sales to Taiwan, as cross-Strait tensions remain elevated. Responding to a question at a daily presser, Zhao stated that:

• "US arms sales to China’s Taiwan region seriously violate the one-China principle and the stipulations of the three China-US joint communiqués, especially the August 17 Communiqué, gravely undermine China’s sovereignty and security interests, and severely harm China-US relations and peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. China firmly opposes and strongly condemns this."
• Zhao added: "The US should abide by the one-China principle and the stipulations of the three China-US joint communiqués, revoke the arms sales plan, and stop arms sales to and military ties with Taiwan. China will continue to take resolute and strong measures to firmly defend its sovereignty and security interests."
• On 7 June, the Pentagon's Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress that a USD120mn package of ship parts and logistical assistance to Taiwan had been approved, marking the fourth such package approved under President Biden.
• The Pentagon stated that "This proposed sale serves U.S. national, economic, and security interests by supporting the recipient's continuing efforts to maintain a credible defensive capability. The proposed sale will help improve the security of the recipient and assist in maintaining political stability, military balance, and economic progress in the region,"