In a development that has added fresh strain to China-U.S. relations, the United States has approved a new arms package for Taiwan worth an estimated USD 330 million. According to the Pentagon, the U.S. Department of State has cleared the sale of non-standard components and repair support for Taiwan’s fleet of F-16 fighter jets, C-130 transport aircraft, and the Indigenous Defense Fighter (IDF). This marks the first Taiwan-related arms sale under President Donald Trump’s second term.
Responding to the move, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian expressed strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition. He stated that the U.S. arms sale to what China calls its Taiwan region grossly violates the one-China principle and the three China-U.S. joint communiqués, particularly the August 17 Communiqué of 1982. According to Lin Jian, the sale severely infringes upon China’s sovereignty and security interests, contravenes international law, and sends a gravely wrong signal to “Taiwan independence” separatist forces.
Lin underlined that the Taiwan question remains at the very core of China’s core interests and represents the first red line that must not be crossed in China-U.S. relations. China urged Washington to strictly abide by the one-China principle and honor the commitments made by U.S. leaders on Taiwan-related matters. The spokesperson called on the United States to stop aiding separatist attempts to pursue “Taiwan independence” through military buildup.
China further requested that the U.S. take concrete actions conducive to maintaining stability in China-U.S. relations and preserving peace across the Taiwan Strait. Lin Jian added that China will take all necessary measures to safeguard its sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity in response to actions it views as provocative and harmful to regional stability.
