On October 26, during a press conference, a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry addressed the recent approval by the U.S. to sell $1.988 billion in arms to Taiwan. The spokesperson emphasized that America’s actions are in stark contrast to their leadership’s stated position of not supporting Taiwan independence. He asserted that this sale undermines U.S.-China relations and poses a threat to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, prompting China to take resolute countermeasures.
When asked about the October 26 announcement from the U.S. Department of Defense regarding the arms sale, which includes the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) and radar systems, the spokesperson expressed serious concern. He noted that the arms sale not only violates the One China principle and the three joint communiqués between the U.S. and China—especially the August 17 Communiqué—but also infringes on China’s sovereignty and security interests. He condemned the move for sending a dangerously misleading signal to separatist forces in Taiwan.
The spokesperson highlighted that the U.S.’s insistence on using Taiwan to contain China and support for Taiwanese independence directly contradicts their publicly stated policy against such independence. He urged the U.S. to cease its arms sales to Taiwan and halt actions that undermine peace and stability in the Strait. He reiterated that China will firmly counter these actions and implement all necessary measures to safeguard its sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity.
