The Chinese Ministry of Defense reacted sharply to the United States' decision to sell weapons to Taiwan worth over $11 billion. Beijing strongly protested, warning of “decisive action” if the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the People's Republic of China were threatened.
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China protests against the US decision. They passed on the note
In a statement on Friday, the Chinese Ministry of Defense announced that it had submitted an official protest note to the authorities in Washington. In the document called for “an immediate end to arms sales to Taiwan” and to respect previous commitments not to support “Taiwan independence forces.”
The authorities in Beijing did not spare harsh words, accusing Taiwan of using public funds to purchase American weapons, which – according to the Chinese position – is intended to “pursue independence based on military power.” China's defense ministry also accused the United States of “repeatedly breaking its word” and supporting Taipei's independence aspirations.
“The Chinese People's Liberation Army will strengthen training and combat readiness, take decisive action to protect national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and resolutely thwart attempts at 'Taiwan independence' and external interference.” – we read in a statement from the Chinese Ministry of Defense. Although the authorities in Beijing have not disclosed details of what the announced actions would involve, the tone of the statement remains clearly threatening.
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The US supports Taiwan. They sell, among others: HIMARS
The decision to sell weapons was approved by the US Department of State on Wednesday. As reported by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), the arms package includes, among others: HIMARS systems, self-propelled howitzers, Javelin missiles and drones. This transaction is one of the largest in the history of US-Taiwanese military cooperation.
Taipei expressed gratitude for the support from the United States. Taiwan's defense ministry stressed that the arms deliveries “will strengthen the combat capabilities of the Taiwan armed forces and ensure peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and the entire region.”
Beijing has long treated Taiwan as a rebellious province and strongly opposes any actions supporting its independence. Despite formal diplomatic obligations towards China, Washington maintains unofficial contacts with Taiwan and remains its main arms supplier.
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