| China urges U.S. to cancel arms sales plan to Taiwan |
BEIJING, March 2 (Xinhua) -- China Friday voiced its strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition to the US arms sales plan which it regarded as wanton interference in its internal affairs.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said China firmly opposes the US arms sales to this island of China and urged the United States to cancel the sales plan.
Qin said. "Our position is consistent and clear."
The U.S. Department of Defense has announced that it plans to sell Taiwan more than 400 missiles worth 421 million U.S. dollars, which would include Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air missiles, Maverick missiles, as well as spare parts and maintenance equipment.
The United States would violate commitments made in the three Sino-U.S. joint communiques, in particular the joint communique signed between the two countries on Aug. 17, 1982, if it offers arms to Taiwan, Qin said.
Qin urged the United States to adhere to the one-China policy, honor the commitments it had made in the Sino-U.S. joint communiques and oppose "Taiwan independence".
He said the United States should stop arms sales, end its military links with Taiwan and not encourage pro-independence forces so as to avoid jeopardizing peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits as well as Sino-U.S. relations.
Qin said China has already lodged a solemn protest with the Americans concerning the plan.
Related:
Pentagon plans new arms sale to Taiwan
WASHINGTON, Mar. 1 (Xinhua) -- The Pentagon has notified the U.S. Congress that it plans a new arms sale to Taiwan which includes over 400 missiles with the total value of 421 million U.S. dollars.
According to a press release issued by the Pentagon's Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) on Thursday, the arms sale package will include 218 AIM-120C-7 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAMs), 235 Maverick missiles, as well as related support, maintenance, training and logistics service.
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