The Chinese government on Sunday protested the latest US announcement of military sales and aid to Taiwan, warning the United States was “playing with fire”.
US President Joe Biden on Saturday authorized the provision of up to $571 million in Defense Department materials and services and military education and training for Taiwan. Separately, the Defense Department said Friday that $295 million in military sales had been approved.
A statement issued by China’s foreign ministry called on the US to stop disarming Taiwan and stop “dangerous steps that undermine peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait”.
Taiwan is a democratic island of 23 million people that the Chinese government claims is its territory and must come under its control. U.S. military sales and aid are intended to help Taiwan defend itself and prevent China from invading.
The $571 million in military aid for the same purpose at the end of September comes on top of $567 million authorized by Biden. Military sales include $265 million for about 300 tactical radio systems and $30 million for 16 gun mounts.
Taiwan’s foreign ministry welcomed the approval of the two sales, saying in a social media post on X that it reaffirmed the US government’s “commitment to our defense”.
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