China today criticized the new US military aid to Taiwan, saying that the 571-million-dollar package seriously violates the “one-China principle” and the terms of joint statements between China and the United States.
A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said Beijing would take “all necessary measures” to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and called Taiwan a “red line that should not be crossed” in Sino – US relations, according to a statement released by the ministry.
Beijing considers Taiwan, which enjoys democratic rule, part of its territory, which the government in Taipei rejects, according to the “Reuters” news agency.
The Chinese news agency “Xinhua” reported that the White House announced yesterday (Saturday), military aid worth 571.3 million US dollars to Taiwan. On the same day, the US Department of Defense announced that the US State Department had approved arms sales to Taiwan worth 295 million dollars.
In response, the spokesman said that the United States has again agreed to provide military assistance and arms sales to Taiwan.
Taiwan has received 38 advanced “Abrams” combat tanks from the United States, the Defense Ministry announced on Monday, at a time when the island is strengthening its military capabilities against any possible Chinese attack.
Washington has long been Taipei’s most important ally and biggest arms supplier, angering Beijing, which says Taiwan is part of its territory.
