China Condemns US Arms Sales Agreement To Taiwan

JAKARTA - China has condemned the US arms sales deal against Taiwan which is deemed to have violated Chinese First principles.

"The sale of US weapons to Taiwanese territory in China strongly violates the principle of 'One China,' we regret and oppose that," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said at a press conference in Beijing.

The US previously approved the sale of spare parts for three types of military aircraft worth about US$330 million (Rp5.51 trillion) after the closure of the federal government (shutdown) ended after 43 days.

The deal marked the sale of the first weapons during President Donald Trump's second term. The package includes Taiwan's F-16, C-130, and Taiwan's Indiginous Defense Fighters (IDF) fighters.

"The sale of these weapons contradicts the 1982 August 17 communique, violates China's sovereignty and security interests, violates international law, and sends a very wrong signal to separatists 'Taiwan independence'," Lin said.

He stressed that Taiwan is the core of China's interests and the first red line that should not be violated in China-US relations.

China, Lin said, urged the US to comply with the principles of One China and three communiques with China-US, follow up on the commitments of leaders of the two countries related to the Taiwan issue, and stop supporting the efforts of separatist groups to achieve "Taiwan independence" through strengthening the military.

"China will do whatever it takes to maintain China's sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity steadfastly," he said.

The sale is reportedly included non-standard components, repair parts and spare parts, consumables, and accessories, as well as technical and logistical support from US governments and contractors.

The Pentagon (US Defense Department) said the deal would increase Taiwan's ability to "face current and future threats" by maintaining operational readiness.

The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSA) said the sale would increase Taiwan's capabilities in maintaining the readiness of its F-16, C-130, and IDF fleets. The equipment in the package will be taken from US government stocks and does not require additional representatives from the US government or contractors.

The Pentagon announcement comes weeks after US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping's meeting in Busan, South Korea. Although many issues were discussed, Trump told reporters about Taiwan "never appeared" at the meeting.