China voices opposition against U.S. arms sales to Taiwan

Beijing [China], Mar. 21 (ANI): Amid reports that Donald Trump's administration is preparing a large shipment of advanced weaponry for sale to Taiwan, China has reiterated its opposition to the same while calling upon the U.S. to adhere by one- China policy. "China's position in opposing the arms sale is consistent and clear. We hope that the US can fully recognize the high sensitivity and severe harmfulness of such arms sale, remain committed to the one China policy and the principles of the three China-U.S. joint communique, stop selling arms to Taiwan," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying told a press briefing. She also urged Washington to handle the Taiwan question with prudence, and preserve China-US relations and peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits. China sees Taiwan as part of its territory awaiting reunification. According to reports, the Trump administration is crafting a big new arms package for Taiwan that could include advanced rocket systems and anti-ship missiles to defend against China. The package is expected to be significantly larger than one that was shelved at the end of the Obama administration. The United States has been Taiwan's most powerful ally and its main arms supplier, even though the two sides do not have official diplomatic ties after Washington switched recognition to Beijing in 1979. Earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump incensed China by receiving a congratulatory telephone call from Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-Wen on December 2. He then questioned the USA's acceptance of the 'One China' policy, which goes back to the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1979 and which is the very foundation of bilateral relations. (ANI)