Beijing strongly objects to U.S.-Taiwan military contacts and arms sales

The Ministry of National Defense has emphatically voiced its opposition to any official exchanges and military engagements between the United States and Taiwan, as well as the sale of arms by the U.S. to the island, stated Defense Ministry spokesman Tan Kefei on Thursday.

Tan's remarks came in response to media reports indicating that Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party authorities intend to procure 14 sets of Volcano anti-tank munition-laying systems from the United States. Furthermore, there have been reports of Taiwan's recent involvement in military exercises led by the U.S. National Guard.

China remains steadfast in its stance against any form of official interactions or military cooperation between the U.S. and Taiwan, and strongly condemns the sale of arms by the U.S. to Taiwan, Tan emphasized.

He called upon the United States to honor its solemn commitment of not endorsing "Taiwan independence," cease all forms of military contact with Taiwan, and refrain from escalating tensions in the Taiwan Strait.

"The DPP authorities, driven by their own interests, are utilizing funds from the people of Taiwan to curry favor with the U.S., thereby fostering confrontation and enmity across the Taiwan Strait," Tan said. He underscored that these actions are transforming Taiwan into a "minefield" and an "ammunition depot," gravely endangering the safety and welfare of Taiwan compatriots.

Tan pointed out that the collusion between Taiwan and the U.S. is fundamentally detrimental to Taiwan's interests, as it only serves to push Taiwan into a precarious situation of potential conflict.

The People's Liberation Army maintains a high level of vigilance and is poised to decisively thwart any endeavors towards "Taiwan independence" or external interventions, while staunchly safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity, the spokesman warned.