AFP
2 hours ago
China told Taiwan on Wednesday not to jeopardise cross-strait relations after a report that Washington expects to agree the sale of two warships to the island.
Beijing said it "firmly opposed" all foreign arms sales to its neighbour, which it regards as part of its territory awaiting reunification -- by force if necessary.
Taipei said the planned arms sales covered "defensive weapons" and would not threaten the mainland.
The White House is set to authorise the sale of two guided-missile frigates to Taiwan as early as this week, Reuters said, citing US congressional sources.
In a joint statement, the Chinese Communist Party's Taiwan Affairs Office and the State Council, or cabinet, said Beijing "firmly opposes sales of weapons, military hardware or technology to Taiwan by any country in any form or under any pretext".
"We hope Taiwan cherishes the hard-earned good situation for the peaceful development of bilateral relations and do more to help improve and develop ties between the two sides," the statement added.
Taiwan's defence ministry spokesman David Lo said Beijing had nothing to worry about.
"We've noticed the reactions from mainland authorities regarding the planned arms sales," he said.
"It was unnecessary as they are all defensive weapons which are aimed for increasing our self-defence capabilities and helping maintain peace in the Taiwan Strait and won't threaten the mainland."
Lo added: "Nor have we the intention of engaging in an arms race with the mainland."
Linkback:
https://tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com/index.php?topic=81586.0