China vows to take ‘countermeasures’ over US and Taiwan $2bn arms deal
GuardianNOV 12 2024
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 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."
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. Taiwanin facesthe increasingface militaryof pressure from China,'s and these advanced systems will help deter potential aggressionthreats. The US is merely fulfilling its legal obligation under the Taiwan Relations Act to support Taiwan's security.
The USlatest arms salepackage 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.