US determined to sell weapons to Taiwan despite threats from China
The US has said it will continue to provide military support to Taiwan, after China's ambassador objected to providing more weapons to the island.
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Taiwan's F-16 fighter jets purchased from the US. Photo:CNA |
"The United States will continue to assess Taiwan's defense needs and sell arms to the island in accordance with the provisions of the Taiwan Relations Act,"FocusTaiwanApril 6, citing an email response from a US State Department spokesman.
The above statement was made afterChinese Ambassador to the United StatesThôi Thiên Khải answers on TVthat China's unification with Taiwan is "unstoppable"and Beijing will do whatever it takes to make it happen.
"China strongly opposesany further US arms sales to Taiwan,” Cui said, asserting that Beijing was “closely monitoring” relations between Washington and Taiwan.
The US signed an agreement in late March to provide 460 TOW-2B anti-tank missiles to Taiwan during the 2018-2024 period. The administrations of the last seven US presidents have alsomaintain arms sales to Taiwan.
"The United States will continue to do so to support the island's security and protect peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait," the US State Department spokesman emphasized.
China considers Taiwan an inseparable territory and is ready to use force to unify if necessary.Despite recognizing the one-China policy, the US still maintains diplomatic relations with Taiwan, but often does not sell the most modern weapons to Taipei to avoid causing tension with Beijing.
