Beijing opposes planned U.S. sale of defense systems to Taiwan

A Chinese mainland spokeswoman on Thursday voiced strong opposition over a planned sale of defense systems from the United States to Taiwan, urging the U.S. to cease actions that harm peace over the Taiwan Strait.

Zhu Fenglian, spokeswoman of the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, made the remarks after the U.S. State Department approved the potential sale of F-16 Infrared Search and Track systems and related equipment to Taiwan at an estimated cost of $500 million.

Zhu said the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities in Taiwan are using the hard-earned money of compatriots in Taiwan to purchase weapons and engage in separatist activities for "Taiwan independence", but such actions cannot guarantee their "security".

"If the DPP authorities persist on the path of relying on the U.S. to seek 'independence' and using military means to achieve it, it will only bring about military conflict and danger to the Taiwan Strait, and will push the people in Taiwan into a perilous situation," she said.

Zhu said the DPP authorities should immediately cease their actions that harm the vital interests of the people in Taiwan and endanger peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.