In a bold move this Thursday, China's Foreign Ministry called on the United States to cancel its plans to sell arms to the Taiwan region. Lin Jian, the ministry's spokesperson, didn't hold back as he expressed China's strong opposition to the U.S.'s latest decision to approve a $360 million weapons and equipment sale to Taiwan, along with providing training services.
\"Despite our repeated objections, the U.S. is once again proceeding with arms sales to Taiwan region,\" Lin Jian said. \"This seriously violates the one-China principle and the three China-U.S. joint communiques, especially the August 17 Communique of 1982.\"
Lin emphasized that these sales undermine China's sovereignty and security, harm relations between China and the U.S., and destabilize peace across the Taiwan Straits. He accused the U.S. of sending a \"gravely wrong message\" to separatist forces pushing for \"Taiwan independence.\"
\"The frequent arms sales embolden the Democratic Progressive Party authorities in Taiwan to cling to their stance and provoke on the one-China principle,\" Lin added.
He didn't mince words about the implications: \"This shows that separatist moves for 'Taiwan independence' and the support they receive from U.S.-led external forces are the biggest threats to peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits.\"
Lin warned that attempts by the DPP authorities to seek independence through military build-up, with U.S. assistance, would \"only backfire and lead nowhere.\"
He reminded everyone that the Taiwan question touches on China's core interests and is the \"first red line that cannot be crossed\" in China-U.S. relations.
\"Nobody should underestimate China's determination and ability to oppose 'Taiwan independence' and safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity,\" Lin stated firmly.
He urged the U.S. to abide by the one-China principle and the three China-U.S. joint communiques, revoke the wrongful decision to sell arms to Taiwan, and stop the dangerous trend of arming the region.
\"We will take strong and resolute measures to defend our national sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity,\" Lin concluded.
Reference(s):
China's Foreign Ministry urges U.S. to stop arming Taiwan region
cgtn.com
