China says US is ‘playing with fire’ by giving Taiwan more military aid | news

Beijing calls on the United States to stop “dangerous moves” that “undermine peace and stability” in the Taiwan Strait.

China warned the United States not to “play with fire” after Washington announced more Military aid and sales To Taiwan.

A statement issued by the Chinese Foreign Ministry on Sunday urged the United States to stop its “dangerous moves that undermine peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.”

China, which has intensified political and military pressure on Taiwan in recent years, has repeatedly called on the United States to stop sending weapons and aid to Taiwan, which Beijing claims is part of its territory.

The United States does not officially recognize Taiwan diplomatically, but it is the self-ruled island’s strategic ally and its largest arms supplier.

The outgoing Biden administration has authorized up to $571.3 million in defense aid for Taiwan, the White House said on Friday. While the White House statement did not provide details about the package, it came less than three months after the announcement of $567 million in aid.

“This move constitutes a serious violation of China’s sovereignty and security interests,” the Chinese Foreign Ministry said, adding that it “strongly opposes this measure.” She added that China “made strict representations to the United States at the earliest opportunity.”

China’s Taiwan Affairs Office said such actions by the United States “contrary to the solemn commitments of its leaders” not to support “Taiwan independence.”

“We demand that the United States immediately stop arming Taiwan and deal with the Taiwan issue with the utmost caution,” Chinese office spokeswoman Zhou Fenglian said, according to the official CCTV channel.

In October, the United States approved $2 billion in arms sales to Taiwan, including the delivery of an advanced surface-to-air missile defense system for the first time, arousing great curiosity. China’s criticism And the military exercises conducted by its army around Taiwan.

Taiwan earlier this month demanded China end its ongoing military activity in nearby waters, which it said undermines peace and stability and disrupts international shipping and trade.

US President-elect Donald Trump said he would not commit to defending Taiwan if China invaded Taiwan during his presidency. Trump also said Taiwan should pay the United States for its defense against China, likening the relationship to insurance.