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China announced Saturday that it will take “countermeasures” in response to the United States approving a $2 billion arms sale to Taiwan. Beijing expressed strong opposition to this sale, which includes the delivery of an advanced air defense missile system to the island.
On Friday, the Pentagon confirmed the US had approved the potential arms sale to Taiwan. Despite the absence of formal diplomatic ties, the US is legally committed to providing Taiwan with defensive support, a stance that frequently angers China.
In a statement issued late Saturday, China’s foreign ministry condemned the US decision and urged it to “immediately stop arming Taiwan and halt actions that undermine peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.” It added, “China will take resolute countermeasures and all necessary measures to firmly defend national sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity.”
Over the past five years, China has increased its military activities around Taiwan, including staging war games earlier this month. Taiwan, which rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims, welcomed the new arms sale, marking the 17th such deal under the Biden administration.
Taiwan’s foreign ministry said, “In the face of China’s threats, Taiwan is duty-bound to protect its homeland and will continue to demonstrate its resolve to defend itself.”
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