China urged the U.S. to stop supplying weapons to Taiwan

The Chinese government calls on the U.S. to stop arms supplies to Taiwan. At a regular briefing Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning commented on the State Department’s approval of another arms shipment to Taiwan worth over $600 million.

Such arms shipments to Taiwan violate China’s sovereignty, harm its security interests, and lead to a worsening of the situation in the Taiwan Strait, Mao Ning said.

“China expresses its sharp displeasure and strong protest in this regard, and will take effective measures to protect its sovereignty and security interests,” the diplomat stressed.

The State Department authorized the sale of F-16 fighter missiles and other systems to Taiwan. The report noted that Taiwan representatives had asked for permission to buy 100 HARM missiles, 200 AMRAAM (Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile) missiles and other systems and parts from the United States.

Now, the Congress has 30 days to consider the potential deal and its possible blocking. Lockheed Martin and Raytheon Missiles & Defense will be the main contractors in case of approval. The Pentagon has assured that the arms sale will not damage U.S. combat readiness.

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