China opposes US arms sale to Taiwan

China on Friday expressed resolute opposition to the signing by US President Barack Obama of a bill authorizing the sale of Perry-class guided missile frigates to Taiwan.

"The bill seriously violates the three China-US joint communiques, particularly the US commitments specified in the August 17 Communique," said Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang.

The United States agreed to gradually reduce arms sales to Taiwan under the August 17 Communique signed in 1982.