China's Position on US Arms Sales to Taiwan Consistent and Firm: FM
People's Daily Online
(CRI Online) 20:32, March 11, 2016
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi gives a press conference on the sidelines of the fourth session of China's 12th National People's Congress in Beijing, capital of China, March 8, 2016. [Photo: Xinhua/Li Xin]
China says it resolutely opposes US arms sales to Taiwan, adding that this position is consistent, clear, and firm.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei commented on reports that the U.S. State Department has authorized the sale of two surplus U.S. Navy frigates to Taiwan for 190 million US dollars, subject to congressional approval.
'The Chinese side has lodged a protest with the U.S. State Department demanding the U.S. provide clarification regarding relevant reports. The U.S. side has said that it has not made plans to sell weapons to Taiwan in the near future nor has it issued any statements. China's position on U.S. arms sales to Taiwan is clear, consistent and firm.'
China has been insisting that arms sale to Taiwan violate the three joint communiques between China and the United States, especially the one signed on Aug. 17, 1982.
Under that agreement, the United States promised to gradually reduce, and eventually stop, its sale of arms to Taiwan.
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