Amid escalating tensions, China has announced the suspension of arms control consultations with the United States following the American administration's sale of weapons to Taiwan.
Strong Opposition
The decision, attributed to Beijing's strong opposition and despite numerous negotiations, was confirmed by China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Lin Jian, during a briefing in Beijing, as reported by TASS.
"For a period of time, the United States has continued to sell arms to the Taiwan administration, despite China's firm opposition and repeated discussions. As a result, China has decided to suspend the latest round of consultations on arms control and non-proliferation with the United States," Lin stated.
Americas Responsibility
The diplomat squarely placed responsibility on the American side and emphasized Beijing's readiness to maintain appropriate contacts with Washington "based on mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and mutually beneficial cooperation." Lin called on the United States to "respect China's core interests and create conditions necessary for dialogue and consultations between the two sides."
Taiwan has been governed by its own administration since 1949, when remnants of the Kuomintang forces led by Chiang Kai-shek fled there after losing the Chinese Civil War. Beijing regards Taiwan as one of its provinces.
The United States severed diplomatic relations with Taiwan in 1979 in favor of establishing ties with China. Despite the "One China" policy, Washington continues to maintain contacts with Taipei's administration. The U.S. remains Taiwan's primary arms supplier, with Chinese estimates placing total American military sales to the island over recent years exceeding $70 billion.
