Chinese Defense Ministry slams U.S. arms sale to Taiwan region

China is strongly dissatisfied with and firmly opposed to the United States' arms sales to China's Taiwan region, a Defense Ministry spokesperson said on Friday.

In response to a query concerning recent U.S. plans to sell arms to Taiwan region, Zhang Xiaogang, a spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, noted such arms sales seriously violate the one-China principle and the three China-U.S. joint communiques, particularly the August 17 Communique of 1982.

China has lodged solemn representations with the U.S. side over the matter, Zhang said.

The spokesperson said "Taiwan independence" separatist activities were the most destructive elements to peace across the Taiwan Straits, and pointed out that the U.S. has sent "wrong signals" to the separatist forces, pushing the region into a dangerous situation and seriously jeopardizing the safety and well-being of Taiwan's residents.

Zhang emphasized that Taiwan region's security depends on the peaceful development of cross-straits relations. "The U.S.-made weapons are not a 'talisman' for the Democratic Progressive Party authorities."

Stressing the Taiwan question is the first red line that must not be crossed in China-U.S. relations, Zhang urged the U.S. side to honor its commitment not to support "Taiwan independence," stop military collusion and stop arming the region in any form.

He also called on the U.S. to take practical actions to maintain the stable, healthy and sustainable development of the relationship with China and between the countries' respective militaries.

The People's Liberation Army will take decisive and forceful measures to resolutely frustrate any separatist attempts and interference by external forces, he added.