China will take “countermeasures” to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity, the federal government mentioned, lambasting a $2bn arms sale package deal by the USA to Taiwan.
The Pentagon on Friday mentioned the USA had accredited a possible $2bn arms sale package deal to Taiwan, together with the supply for the primary time to the island of a complicated air defence missile system battle-tested in Ukraine, together with superior surface-to-air missile programs and radar. The deal awaits approval by Congress.
In a press release late on Saturday, China’s international ministry mentioned it strongly condemned and firmly opposed the gross sales and had lodged “solemn representations” with the US.
China urges the US to right away cease arming Taiwan and cease its harmful strikes that undermine peace and stability within the Taiwan Strait, it added.
“China will take resolute countermeasures and take all measures essential to firmly defend nationwide sovereignty, safety and territorial integrity,” the ministry mentioned, with out elaborating.
The US is sure by regulation to offer Chinese language-claimed Taiwan with the means to defend itself regardless of the dearth of formal diplomatic ties, to the anger of Beijing.
The Pentagon’s Protection Safety Cooperation Company mentioned the brand new sale consisted of $1.16bn in missile programs, and radar programs value an estimated $828m.
The missile system sale is for 3 Nationwide Superior Floor-to-Air Missile System (Nasams) medium-range air defence options that features the superior AMRAAM Prolonged Vary floor to air missiles, it added.
“This proposed sale serves US nationwide, financial, and safety pursuits by supporting the recipient’s persevering with efforts to modernise its armed forces and to take care of a reputable defensive functionality,” it mentioned in a press release. “The proposed sale will assist enhance the safety of the recipient and help in sustaining political stability, army stability, and financial progress within the area.”
Demand for Nasams has elevated for the reason that system was employed in Ukraine. Taiwan’s defence ministry welcomed the announcement, noting the “confirmed” use of Nasams in Ukraine and saying it could assist Taiwan’s air defence capabilities within the face of China’s frequent army manoeuvres.
China has over the previous 5 years stepped up its military activities round democratically ruled Taiwan, whose authorities rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims, together with staging a brand new spherical of warfare video games earlier this month.
Taiwan’s authorities welcomed the brand new arms sale, the seventeenth of the Biden administration to the island.
“Within the face of China’s threats, Taiwan is duty-bound to guard its homeland, and can proceed to exhibit its dedication to defend itself,” Taiwan’s international ministry mentioned, responding to the arms sale.
Beijing’s international ministry hit again in its assertion late on Saturday, saying the newest arms package deal “significantly damages China-US relations, and endangers peace and stability” within the strait.
China has refused to rule out utilizing power to deliver Taiwan below its management.
In September, Beijing sanctioned US defence corporations in retaliation for Washington’s approval of the sale of army tools to Taiwan.
