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."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 in the face of China's threats. The US is merely fulfilling its legal obligation to support Taiwan's security.
This arms package is a blatant violation of China's sovereignty and a dangerous move that undermines peace and stability in the region. The US is meddling in China's internal affairs, and encouraging separatist forces in Taiwan, and not abiding by the one-China policy.