China denounces US arms deal worth $100mn with Taiwan; Vows to thwart foreign interference

Chinese Ministry of Defence has deunced a recent United States' arms transfer to Taiwan as gross interference in Chinese domestic matters. defence ministry furr vowed to counter any foreign influence in an official statement released on February 9.

"US arms sales to Taiwan severely infringe on 'One China' principle and three joint US-China communiqués... This represents a flagrant interference in China's internal affairs and undermines China's sovereignty and security interests," said Wu Qian, a spokesman for Chinese Defence Ministry.

He went on to say that US military shipments to Taiwan degrade relations between China and US, as well as between two countries' armed forces. official went on to say that arms agreement puts peace and stability in Taiwan Strait in jeopardy. Hence, China expresses its strong displeasure and staunch opposition. Furr, Beijing is also pressing Washington to annul arms-sale agreement with Taipei and break all connections with Taiwanese military.

Taiwan is an inalienable part of Chinese territory: Wu Qian

"re is only one China in world, and Taiwan is an inalienable part of Chinese territory. China demands that US immediately cancel aforementioned plan to sell arms to Taiwan.  People's Liberation Army of China will take all [] necessary measures to vigorously defend state sovereignty and territorial integrity and unwaveringly thwart any external interference," Wu stated.

US decision to allow a prospective $100 million transfer of military equipment and services to island drew Beijing's condemnation. purchase is thought to be significant for Taipei's Patriot missile defence system. move will help improve recipient's security and assist in sustaining political stability, military balance, ecomic and progress in region, according to Defence Security Cooperation ncy.

Since end of civil war in 1949, Taiwan has been administered independently of mainland China. Beijing regards island as a province, whereas Taiwan, formally kwn as Republic of China (ROC), argues that it is an independent republic with political and ecomic ties to a number of or countries. While United States does t have formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan, it has stated that it is prepared to defend island in event of a Chinese military invasion.

(With inputs from ncies)

Im: AP