US arms sales to Taiwan disrupt ties: spokesman

The recent passage of a US bill by the House of Representatives allowing naval vessel transfers to Taiwan has torpedoed the healthy development of Sino-US military ties and disrupted cross-Straits relations, spokesman for the Ministry of National Defense Geng Yansheng said on Wednesday.

"China firmly opposes US sales of advanced weaponry to Taiwan. That stance has been clear and consistent. The Chinese side has voiced its opposition in talks with visiting US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel," Geng said in a statement.

The Taiwan-related bill that was approved on Monday reaffirms the importance of the Taiwan Relations Act and authorizes the sale of four Perry-class frigates to Taiwan.

Calling the bill's passage interference in China's internal affairs, Geng said Washington's arms sales to Taiwan violated the three Sino-US Joint Communiques, especially the Aug 17 Communique in 1982, under which the US agreed to gradually reduce its arms sales to Taiwan.

"The Taiwan question, in relation to sovereignty and territorial integrity, is of China's core interest," Geng said.

"We urge the US to fully recognize the extreme sensitivity of the bill, respect China's major concerns and stop arms sales to Taiwan as well as any remarks damaging Sino-US and cross-Straits relations," he said.