Beijing strongly denounced the United States‘ recent military aid package to Taiwan, which includes $571.3 million in defence assistance and $295 million in arms sales.
A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said the moves violate the ‘One-China’ principle and the three China-U.S. joint communiqués: specifically the 1982 August 17 Communiqué. China views the aid package as a threat to national sovereignty and security interests.
“The Taiwan question is the core of China’s core interests and the first red line that cannot be crossed in China-U.S. relations; to aid ‘Taiwanese independence’ through arms sales is akin to playing with fire, and the U.S. will get burned”, the spokesperson added.
Biden’s Pledge to Taiwan
The U.S. decision, authorised by President Joe Biden on Friday, marks the third instance of such assistance this year, following packages announced in July and September. According to the White House, the latest $571.3 million package will provide defence articles, services, and military training for Taiwan, although specific details were not disclosed. The additional $295 million arms sale includes upgraded Link-16 tactical data systems and 76mm naval gun parts; experts say are intended to maintain Taiwan’s existing defence capabilities rather than significantly enhance them.
Chinese analysts view these moves as attempts by the Biden administration to pressure future U.S. administrations to maintain a hardline stance on Taiwan. “The frequent arms sales signal an intention to cement Biden’s policy framework, leaving little room for policy shifts under his successor,” said Li Haidong, a professor at the University of China Foreign Affairs.
However, experts argue that the assistance provides limited practical benefits to Taiwan’s defence while primarily benefiting U.S. arms manufacturers. Song Zhongping, a Chinese military analyst, characterised the aid as “bait” for further purchases by Taiwan and encourages more spending on “overpriced American weapons”.
Beijing’s Response: U.S. Arms Sales to Taiwan
Meanwhile, China continues to retaliate against U.S. arms sales to Taiwan. Earlier this month, Beijing imposed sanctions on 13 U.S. military firms and six senior executives. On Saturday, Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang reiterated that Taiwan remains a domestic issue and a “red line” in China-U.S. relations.
“Such actions embolden separatist forces and could lead to conflict and war,” Xiaogang said. Xiaogang called on the U.S. to adhere to the ‘One-China’ principle and cease official relations with Taipei.
As tensions escalate, analysts predict little change on U.S-Taiwan relations…with the arrival of U.S.-made M1A2T tanks in Taipei earlier this month. Chinese military experts, however, dismiss these developments arguing that the tanks are ill-suited to Taiwan’s topography and and vulnerable to modern warfare
While Washington’s actions may reflect anxiety over the shifting balance of power in the region, Chinese experts maintain that the mainland’s military advantage over Taiwan remains overwhelming.
As Beijing continues to press its claims over Taiwan, the latest developments underscore the growing fragility of China-U.S. relations. Whether Washington’s actions will provoke further escalation remains to be seen.
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