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

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

Beijing has urged the US to halt ‘dangerous steps’ that ‘undermine peace and stability’ in the Taiwan Strait.

China has warned the United States against “playing with fire” after it announced increased military aid and sales to Taiwan.

On Sunday, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement urging the US to halt its “dangerous moves that undermine peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait”.

China, which has increased political and military pressure on Taiwan in recent years, has frequently called on the United States to stop delivering arms and support to the island, which Beijing claims as part of its territory.

The United States does not formally recognize Taiwan diplomatically, but it is the self-ruled island’s strategic ally and main armament supplier.

On Friday, the White House announced that the outgoing Biden administration had authorized up to $571.3 million in defense assistance to Taiwan. While the White House announcement did not go into depth about the program, it came less than three months after $567 million in help was announced.

“This move gravely infringes on China’s sovereignty and security interests,” the Chinese Foreign Ministry said, adding that it “firmly opposes this action”. China “has lodged stern representations with the US at the earliest opportunity”, it added.

According to China’s Taiwan Affairs Office, such measures by the US “contradict its leaders’ serious commitments” to not backing “Taiwan’s independence”.

“We demand that the US immediately cease arming Taiwan and handle the Taiwan issue with utmost caution,” said Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for the Chinese office, according to official broadcaster CCTV.

In October, the United States approved $2 billion in arms sales to Taiwan, including the first delivery of an advanced surface-to-air missile defense system, prompting China’s criticism and military drills around Taiwan.

Taiwan urged earlier this month that China cease its continued military action in neighboring waters, which it claimed threatened peace and stability and disturbed international shipping and trade.

US President-elect Donald Trump has stated that he will not commit to defending Taiwan if China invades during his presidency. Trump has also stated that Taiwan should pay the US for protecting itself against China, comparing the relationship to insurance.

Get more related news on http://sportviewers.com