China says America is ‘playing with fire’ by giving more military aid to Taiwan. news
Beijing called on the US to stop ‘dangerous steps’ that ‘undermine peace and stability’ in the Taiwan Strait.
China has warned the United States of “playing with fire” after Washington announced more military aid and sales to Taiwan.
A statement from the Chinese Foreign Ministry on Sunday urged the US to stop its dangerous moves that undermine peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.
China, which has stepped up political and military pressure on Taiwan in recent years, has repeatedly called on the US to stop sending arms and aid to Taiwan, which Beijing claims as part of its territory.
The US does not officially recognize Taiwan diplomatically, but it is the self-ruled island’s strategic ally and largest supplier of arms.
On Friday, the White House said the outgoing Biden administration had authorized up to $571.3m in defense aid to Taiwan. Although the White House statement did not provide details of the package, it comes less than three months after it announced $567 million in aid.
“This move seriously violates China’s sovereignty and security interests,” the Chinese Foreign Ministry said. “He strongly opposes this action,” he said. “China has lodged a strong protest with the US at the earliest opportunity,” it said.
China’s Taiwan Affairs Office said such US actions run contrary to its leaders’ solemn commitments not to support Taiwan’s independence.
“We demand that the US immediately stop arming Taiwan and handle the Taiwan issue with utmost care,” Chinese office spokeswoman Zhu Fenglian said, according to state broadcaster CCTV.
In October, the US approved $2 billion in arms sales to Taiwan, including the first-ever delivery of an advanced surface-to-air missile defense system, drawing criticism from China and its military around Taiwan. War practice was conducted by.
Taiwan earlier this month demanded that China end its ongoing military activity in nearby waters, which it said would undermine peace and stability and disrupt international shipping and trade.
Newly elected US President Donald Trump has said that if China attacks Taiwan during his presidency, he will not commit to defending Taiwan. Trump has also compared the relationship to insurance, saying Taiwan should pay the US for its defense against China.