Chinese defense ministry urges U.S. to stop arming Taiwan region

China's Ministry of National Defense on Friday urged the U.S. to implement its commitment to not support "Taiwan independence," stop arming China's Taiwan region in any form and take practical actions to maintain stable relations between the two countries and the two militaries.

According to the Pentagon's Defense Security Cooperation Agency, the U.S. State Department has approved the potential sale of drones and missiles to Taiwan for an estimated $360 million.

In response at a press briefing, Wu Qian, a spokesperson for the ministry, said the U.S. arms sales to China's Taiwan region seriously violate the one-China principle and the three China-U.S. joint communiques, particularly the August 17 Communique.

Such acts also damage China's sovereignty and security interests, seriously undermine the relationship between the two countries and the two militaries, as well as peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits, and pose a threat to the safety and well-being of Taiwan compatriots, Wu said.

"China strongly opposes such acts and has lodged solemn representations with the U.S. side," he said.

Wu said the biggest threat to peace and stability across the Straits is Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party authorities attempting to "use force to seek independence" and the U.S. insisting on "using force to assist independence."

The U.S. has sold arms to Taiwan time after time and uses the hard-earned money of people in Taiwan to feed its military-industrial complex, turning Taiwan into a "powder keg," said Wu.

He said the Chinese People's Liberation Army will comprehensively strengthen military training, aiming to resolutely crush all separatist forces seeking "Taiwan independence."