U.S. violates one-China principle in Taiwan arms sale

China has lodged stern representations with the United States over its latest approval of an arms sale plan to Taiwan region, a defense spokesperson said on Friday.

Wu Qian, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, made the remarks in response to the recent announcement by the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency of two new arms sales to Taiwan, totaling approximately $360 million. The sales include two types of drones and related system services.

"By selling arms to the China's Taiwan region, the U.S. has severely violated the one-China principle and the stipulations of the three China-U.S. joint communiqués, particularly the August 17 Communiqué," Wu said. "This action also seriously violated international law and the basic norms of international relations."

He emphasized that China firmly opposes this move as it has gravely undermined China's sovereignty and security interests, significantly harmed China-U.S. military relations as well as the peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, and threatened the safety and well-being of the people in Taiwan.

Wu criticized that the Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party authorities attempt to seek "independence" by force, while the U.S. insists on supporting these efforts through force, posing the greatest threat to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait currently.

"The U.S. frequently sells weapons to Taiwan, fattening its military-industrial complex at the expense of the hard-earned money of the Taiwan people, turning Taiwan into a powder keg," said the spokesman. "This is tantamount to seeking profit at the cost of lives, which is utterly selfish and hypocritical."

He further noted that the DPP authorities' reliance on external forces for "independence" will not bring security, no matter how many weapons they purchase, stressing that instead, it will only draw the flames of war to Taiwan.

"We urge the U.S. to honor its commitment to not supporting 'Taiwan independence' and to cease all forms of military support to Taiwan. Concrete actions must be taken to maintain the hard-won stability in China-U.S. ties and the bilateral military relations," Wu said.

"The People's Liberation Army will comprehensively enhance its training and combat readiness, resolutely thwarting any attempts at 'Taiwan independence' and separatist activities," he added.