Beijing: China announced it will implement “countermeasures” to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity, denouncing the United States’ $2 billion arms package sale to Taiwan. This package includes an advanced air defense missile system, reportedly battle-tested in Ukraine, marking the first delivery of its kind to the self-governing island.
Despite the absence of formal diplomatic ties, the United States is legally obligated to assist Taiwan in self-defense, a policy that continuously fuels Beijing’s disapproval. The Pentagon confirmed the approval of this arms deal on Friday, heightening tensions in the Taiwan Strait.
In a statement released late Saturday, China’s foreign ministry condemned the arms deal and stated it has lodged “solemn representations” with the U.S. China urged the United States to immediately cease arming Taiwan, calling such actions “dangerous moves that undermine peace and stability” in the region.
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“China will take resolute countermeasures and all necessary steps to firmly defend national sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity,” the ministry affirmed, though it did not provide further details.
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Over the past five years, China has intensified its military presence around Taiwan, recently staging another round of military exercises near the island. Taiwan, a democratic entity rejecting Beijing’s sovereignty claims, continues to resist such pressures.
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Taiwan’s government welcomed the arms sale—the 17th under the Biden administration—as an essential step in fortifying its defenses. “In the face of China’s threats, Taiwan is duty-bound to protect its homeland and will continue to demonstrate its determination to defend itself,” Taiwan’s foreign ministry responded in support of the deal.
