China warns that US is 'playing with fire' over Taiwan military aid
The Chinese government has warned the United States that it is “playing with fire” following its latest announcement of military sales and assistance to Taiwan.
US President Joe Biden authorised on Saturday the provision of up to $US571 million ($A913 million) in Defense Department material and services and in military education and training for self-ruled Taiwan.
Beijing claims Taiwan as its territory and says it must come under its control.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Separately, the Defense Department said on Friday that $US295 million ($A472 million) in military sales had been approved.
A Chinese Foreign Ministry statement urged the US to stop arming Taiwan and stop what it called “dangerous moves that undermine peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.”
US military sales and assistance aim to help Taiwan defend itself and deter China from launching an attack.
The $US571 million ($A913 million) in military assistance comes on top of Biden’s authorisation of $US567 million ($A907 million) for the same purposes in late September.
The military sales include $US265 million ($A424 million) for about 300 tactical radio systems and $US30 million ($A48 million) for 16 gun mounts.
Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry welcomed the approval of the two sales, saying in a post on X that it reaffirmed the US government’s “commitment to our defence.”
In October, the US approved $US2 billion ($A3.2 billion) in arms sales to Taiwan, including the first-time delivery of an advanced surface-to-air missile defence system, also drawing China’s criticism while Beijing has responded with war drills around Taiwan.
Taiwan earlier this month demanded that China end its ongoing military activity in nearby waters, which it said undermined peace and stability and disrupted international shipping and trade.
US President-elect Donald Trump has said he would not commit to defending Taiwan if China were to invade during his presidency.
Trump has also said that Taiwan should pay the US for defending it against China, likening the relationship to insurance.
Taiwan spends about 2.5 per cent of its GDP on defence.
