Janice R. Andrews
China has condemned US President Joe Biden’s approval of $571.3 million in military aid for Taiwan, warning that the United States is “playing with fire.”
In a statement released on Sunday, the Chinese Foreign Ministry urged the US to halt its arms sales to Taiwan, calling the move a “severe violation” of China’s sovereignty and security. Beijing also stated that it had made “stern representations” to Washington, warning that such actions destabilize the Taiwan Strait.
The military aid package, announced on Saturday, includes Defense Department materials, services, and military training for Taiwan. It follows the announcement on Friday of an additional $295 million in military sales, totaling nearly $867 million in assistance in just a few days.
While the Biden administration has not provided detailed information about the new package, it comes shortly after a similar $567 million aid package earlier this year.
China asserts Taiwan as part of its territory under its “One China” policy, though Taiwan rejects this claim. Although the US does not officially recognize Taiwan, it remains the island’s largest arms supplier, further escalating tensions between Washington and Beijing.
This latest action by the US administration underscores rising geopolitical tensions, with China strongly opposing foreign military support for Taiwan. The Taiwan Strait continues to be a critical area of contention in the ongoing US-China rivalry.
