China's Foreign Ministry criticized the US and Taiwan on Sunday after the US State Department approved a $385 million arms sale to the island.
Chinese officials also criticized the US for allowing Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te to visit Hawaii and Guam, a US territory. China views Taiwan as an independent territory and has often opposed any recognition of the island's democratically elected government.
An arms deal agreed late last week sees Taiwan buy spare parts for F-16 fighter jets and radar components worth hundreds of millions of dollars.
Chinese officials said the deal sent a “wrong signal” about relations in the Indo-Pacific. A separate statement said China “strongly condemns” Lai's trip to the US
CHINA OFFICIALLY 'DOES NOT CARE' ABOUT TRUMP WINNING; OFFICIALLY, EXPERTS SAY BEIJING IS GETTING TOGETHER
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te will visit Hawaii and Guam after the ratification of the arms deal with the US. (Photos by Walid Berrazeg/SOPA/LightRocket via Getty Images)
The US has repeatedly signaled its support for Taiwan through military agreements, operations and diplomatic relations with Taiwan officials.
Recent years have seen dozens of American officials, such as former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, meet with Taiwanese officials so that Beijing can respond with saber-rattling.
Pelosi made a rare trip to the island in 2021, and China responded by holding military exercises around Taiwan. That exercise took place again in 2023 when Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen met with former Speaker Kevin McCarthy in California.
Chinese President Xi Jinping's regime has been criticizing the US for befriending Taiwan. (REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque//File Photo)
President-elect Trump has indicated that his administration will continue the strong relationship between the United States and Taiwan. Trump's appointees to serve as United nations the ambassador, the national security adviser, and most importantly, the secretary of state are considered by many to be “China Hawks.”
TRUMP'S CHOICES SO FAR: HERE'S WHO TO ADVISE THE NEW PRESIDENT
Trump appointed Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., for secretary of state last month. Rubio has been the leading voice in the Senate for criticizing China and imposing sanctions.
Trump appointed Sen. Marco Rubio to lead the State Department. (Victor J. Blue/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
CLICK HERE FOR THE NEWS PROGRAM
Rubio said he would work with Trump to “continue to support Taiwan.” He is also allied with Trump in insisting that Taiwan increase defense spending, a view shared by security experts, but not most Taiwanese.
Reuters contributed to this report.
Source link
