US Approves Weapon Sale Worth About 800 Billion Won to Taiwan... China "Firmly Opposes"

The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed its "firm opposition" to the United States' plan to approve the sale of approximately 800 billion won worth of F-16 fighter jet ammunition to Taiwan.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

According to major foreign media on the 2nd, the U.S. Department of State approved the sale of weapons worth $619 million (about 810 billion won) to Taiwan on the 1st (local time), including the advanced medium-range air-to-air missile 'AMRAAM'.

The approved weapons include 200 AMRAAM missiles and 100 AGM-88B high-speed radar-jamming air-to-ground missiles. The U.S. Department of State stated, "Supporting Taiwan's self-defense capabilities contributes to maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and the region."

Taiwan immediately expressed a welcoming stance. The Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense said in a statement, "These missiles will help effectively defend our airspace against threats and provocations from the Chinese Communist forces."

On the other hand, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly opposed the move. Mao Ning, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said at a regular briefing that "the U.S. arms sales to Taiwan violate the 'One China' principle and the provisions of the three China-U.S. joint communiques (major statements on bilateral relations such as the establishment of diplomatic relations), and undermine peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait," adding, "China firmly opposes this."

He continued, "China urges the U.S. and Taiwan to stop military ties and creating tension factors in the Taiwan Strait," and said, "China will continue to firmly and strongly safeguard its sovereignty and security interests through resolute measures."