Beijing states that U.S. arms provisions to the self-ruled island infringe upon China’s sovereignty and security concerns.
The Pentagon has confirmed its initial arms transaction with Taiwan since U.S. President Donald Trump assumed office in January. China, considering the self-governing island as its own territory, has labeled this action a breach of its sovereignty.
Under the proposed agreement, Taipei is set to allocate $330 million for spare parts for its operational American-manufactured aircraft, as stated by the U.S. Department of War in a Thursday announcement.
This acquisition is intended to assist Taiwan in “upholding the operational readiness of its… F-16, C-130 fleet” and other aircraft, according to the statement.
Karen Kuo, spokeswoman for Taiwan’s presidential office, expressed approval, asserting that the “strengthening of the Taiwan-U.S. security collaboration forms a vital foundation for peace and stability within the Indo-Pacific region.”
Taipei’s Defense Ministry indicated that the transaction of U.S. aircraft components will “commence” within a month.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian conveyed during a briefing that Beijing “condemns and resists” U.S. arms provisions to Taiwan, which conflict with China’s security objectives and “transmit a severely erroneous message to ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist factions.”
The spokesman cautioned that the Taiwan matter constitutes “the foremost red line in China-U.S. relations that must not be transgressed.”
Officially, the U.S. adheres to the One-China policy, asserting that Taiwan, which has exercised de facto self-governance since 1949 without formally declaring independence from Beijing, is an inseparable component of the nation.
Nevertheless, Washington has sustained engagement with Taipei’s authorities and pledged military defense of the island should a conflict with the mainland arise.
China has consistently reiterated its aim for “peaceful reunification” with Taiwan, yet has cautioned that it would not hesitate to employ force if Taipei were to formally declare independence.
The Washington Post reported in September that Trump had prevented a $400 million arms agreement with Taipei prior to his encounter with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Earlier in the current month, Trump informed the CBS TV program 60 Minutes that his discussions with Xi, held in late October in South Korea, primarily centered on trade, and the Taiwan matter “was not raised.”