‘Playing with fire’: China warns US over military aid to Taiwan

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China condemned the United States for its recent military aid and defence material sales to Taiwan. The Chinese foreign ministry cautioned the US against “playing with fire” in a statement released Sunday.
China’s foreign ministry urged the US to halt arms sales to Taiwan. The statement called on the US to stop its “dangerous moves that undermine peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.”
The Chinese foreign ministry further expressed strong objections, stating “This move gravely infringes on China’s sovereignty and security interests,” whilst emphasising that it “firmly opposes this action”, as reported by AFP.
China also indicated that it has “has lodged stern representations with the US at the earliest opportunity”.
This comes as US President Joe Biden on Saturday approved up to $571 million in defense materials, services, and military training for Taiwan. A separate announcement from the US Defense Department on Friday revealed an additional $295 million in approved military sales.
These sales include around 300 tactical radio systems for $265 million and 16 gun mounts for $30 million. This $571 million aid package follows another similar authorization by President Biden in late September for $567 million.
Taiwan’s foreign ministry expressed gratitude for the US support, stating on social media that the sales “reaffirmed the US government’s commitment to our defense.” The US assistance aims to bolster Taiwan’s defense capabilities against potential Chinese aggression.
Taiwan has also been provided with its first shipment of 38 M1A2T Abrams tanks from the US in 23 years, as reported by Radio Free Asia.
The delivery is the initial part of a larger 122-tank order scheduled for delivery over two years, according to Radio Free Asia. Despite the M1A2T being considered amongst the world’s most sophisticated battle tanks, specialists have questioned its effectiveness in Taiwan’s urban and mountainous landscape.
The M1A2T Abrams, manufactured by General Dynamics as an advanced variant of the M1 Abrams, features a 120mm smoothbore cannon capable of penetrating 850mm thick armour. Its combat effectiveness stems from its robust protection, substantial firepower and mobility.
The animosity between China And Taiwan has been witnessing escalations recently. China’s intensified military activities near Taiwan have sparked worries about stability in the region as Beijing maintains its territorial claims over the island.
Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte recently expressed criticism of China’s approach towards Taiwan, stating that “China is bullying Taiwan, and pursuing access to critical infrastructure in ways that could cripple societies.”
The Taiwan-China situation represents an enduring geopolitical dispute regarding Taiwan’s autonomous status. While China regards Taiwan as its province and advocates the “One China” principle with Beijing as the capital, Taiwan maintains its separate governance with substantial public support.
According to Taiwan News, December has seen 331 Chinese military aircraft and 220 vessels detected around Taiwan. China has strengthened its presence around Taiwan since September 2020, increasing both naval and aerial military activities in the region.