China vows to take ‘countermeasures’ over US and Taiwan $2bn arms deal
GuardianNOV 12 2024
China strongly condemned the arms sale, viewing it as a threat to regional peace and a violation of its sovereignty and security interests.On Sunday, Taiwan's defense ministry said that Chinese aircraft and ships conducted combat patrols near the island after the US approved a $2B arms sale package last week to the East Asian country.
The arms package includes three National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (Nasams), valued at about $1.16 billion, and radar systems worth around $828 million.The Pentagon said that the package includes the shipment of missile systems and radar systems, which have been battle-tested in Ukraine, to maintain "political stability, military balance, and economic progress in the region."
Taiwan's defense ministry welcomed the sale, expressing confidence that the Nasams would enhance its ability to protect itself against Chinese military maneuvers.China strongly condemned the arms sale, stating it damaged China-US relations and violated the one-China principle and the three China-US Joint Communiques, especially the Aug. 17 Communique of 1982.
The arms sale to Taiwan is crucial for maintaining regional stability and bolstering the island's self-defense capabilities. Taiwan faces increasing military pressure from China, and these advanced systems will help deter potential aggression. The US is fulfilling its legal obligation under the Taiwan Relations Act to support Taiwan's security.
The US arms sale to Taiwan is a blatant violation of China's sovereignty and a dangerous move that undermines peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. This action seriously damages China-US relations and contradicts the "One China" policy. The US is meddling in China's internal affairs and encouraging separatist forces in Taiwan.