China strongly protested against the tentative approval by the U.S. to sell weapons to Taiwan, including F-16 fighter jets, worth approximately $385 million.
In a statement released by the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Beijing accused the U.S. of violating the “One China” principle and breaching the “three joint communiqués” between China and the U.S., particularly the 1982 “August 17 Communiqué” which governs arms sales to Taiwan. The ministry called the U.S. action seriously infringed on China’s sovereignty and security, asserting that it violated international law.
The statement further condemned the move, saying it “sends a very wrong signal to Taiwan’s separatist forces” and “undermines U.S.-China relations.” It also highlighted that the decision contradicted previous U.S. declarations of not supporting Taiwan’s independence. The Foreign Ministry stressed that China had already raised the issue with the U.S. and demanded the immediate cessation of arms sales to Taiwan. Beijing warned it would take “resolute measures” to safeguard its sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity.
Last week, the U.S. Department of Defense approved selling key military equipment to Taiwan, including F-16 fighter jets and AESA radar parts. The U.S. plans to begin deliveries of the equipment next year.
The announcement came just before Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te began a diplomatic tour of the Pacific, visiting the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, and Palau. The timing of the sale’s approval and the tour appears to have been coordinated between the U.S. and Taiwan, further fueling Beijing’s outrage.
The Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense expressed confidence that the approval would be finalized within a month, stressing that the equipment would help maintain Taiwan’s F-16 fleet and enhance its defensive capabilities. The ministry also affirmed the ongoing commitment to strengthen Taiwan-U.S. security cooperation to preserve peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and the broader Indo-Pacific region.
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