China condemns US approval of $11.1 billion Taiwan arms package: Video
China has criticised the United States after Washington approved its largest-ever arms sales package to Taiwan, warning that the move would heighten tensions in the region and further strain already fragile relations between the two powers.
Speaking at a press conference in Beijing on Thursday, December 18, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said the $11.1 billion deal seriously threatens peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. He accused the United States of encouraging separatist forces on the island by providing military support.
“The US is aiding ‘Taiwan independence’ with military force, and this will only backfire,” Guo said. “Using Taiwan to contain China will absolutely not succeed.”
Guo added that the arms sale undermines China’s sovereignty, security and territorial integrity, and sends what he described as a “seriously wrong signal” to pro-independence forces in Taiwan. He warned that such actions increase the risk of instability in the region.
The arms package, announced by the US State Department on Thursday, includes advanced weapons systems and related support services aimed at strengthening Taiwan’s defensive capabilities amid rising cross-strait tensions.
The approval comes as military activity around Taiwan has intensified, with China conducting frequent air and naval patrols near the island. Beijing views Taiwan as part of its territory and has repeatedly opposed any form of military cooperation between Taipei and Washington.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
