China angered by latest US arms sale to Taiwan

BEIJING: China's foreign ministry on Friday (November 14) expressed anger after the U.S. approved a potential arms sale to Taiwan, saying it would do what is necessary to defend its sovereignty, territorial integrity and security.

The comments came after the U.S. approved the sale of fighter jet and other aircraft parts to Taiwan for $330 million on Thursday (November 13), marking the first such transaction since President Donald Trump took office in January, drawing thanks from Taipei and anger in Beijing.

Washington has formal diplomatic ties with Beijing, but maintains unofficial ties with Taiwan and is the island's most important arms supplier. The United States is bound by law to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself.

China claims democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory and has not ruled out the use of force to take control of the island. Taiwan's government strongly objects to Beijing's sovereignty claims and says only Taiwan's people can decide their future.

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