'It will backfire': China warns US after $567M military aid to Taiwan - Video
China has condemned the United States for approving $567 million in defence assistance to Taiwan, warning that the move will "backfire" and escalate tensions between the two powers.
The statement comes after US President Joe Biden approved the military aid package as part of ongoing US support for Taiwan's self-defence capabilities on September 29, according to the White House.
Speaking at a foreign ministry briefing in Beijing on Monday, September 30, Chinese spokesperson Lin Jian expressed Beijing’s strong disapproval, citing violations of the One-China principle.
"The US has once again provided weapons to China’s Taiwan region, seriously violating the One-China principle and the three China-U.S. Joint Communiqués, particularly the August 17 Communiqué. This serves to support Lai Ching-te and the Democratic Progressive Party authorities in their stubborn pursuit of Taiwan independence, provoking the One-China principle,” Lin said,
He further warned that the US's actions would have adverse consequences for both countries. "The US's insistence on supporting Taiwan independence with weapons will only backfire and lead to self-inflicted consequences. We urge the US to strictly adhere to the One-China principle and the three China-U.S. Joint Communiqués and to stop arming Taiwan in any form. No matter how many weapons the United States provides to Taiwan, it will never shake our firm determination to oppose 'Taiwan independence' and defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity," Lin added.
The $567 million defence package is nearly double the $345 million approved in July 2023 and is part of broader US efforts to bolster Taiwan’s military amid increasing tensions with China, as reported by AFP. In April 2024, Washington also approved billions in military aid to Taipei, reflecting growing concerns over China’s military and political pressure on the island.
China considers Taiwan a breakaway province and has not ruled out the use of force to achieve what it calls "reunification." Beijing regularly criticises international support for Taiwan, accusing the US of interfering in its internal affairs.
In the past, Chinese officials have warned that a formal push for Taiwan’s independence could lead to war.
