China Condemns Record U.S. Arms Sale to Taiwan as Tensions Rise in Asia

China denounced the record U.S. arms sale to Taiwan on Tuesday. The reaction came as Chinese forces carried out a second day of military drills around the island. The sale is the largest package the United States has ever approved for Taiwan. It was announced earlier this month in Washington.The main keyword is: U.S. arms sale to Taiwan.China said the move is a major threat to its security goals. Taiwan said it needs the weapons to defend itself. The standoff has raised fears of more tension in the Asia-Pacific region.

China Warns U.S. Over U.S. Arms Sale to Taiwan

China’s foreign minister Wang Yi spoke in Beijing during a year-end diplomatic event. He said the U.S. decision to approve the package crossed a clear line. According to AP News, he accused “pro-independence forces” in Taiwan of pushing the region toward danger.The arms deal is worth more than 11 billion dollars. It includes missiles, drones, artillery units, and advanced military software. The United States says it is required by law to help Taiwan defend itself.China began new military drills around the island on Monday. The exercises were seen as a direct warning to both Taiwan and the United States. They also followed recent comments by Japan’s new prime minister, which angered Beijing.China said it is watching Japan closely. It warned that Japan should not interfere in Taiwan issues. China also said Japan must “reflect” on its wartime history. These statements added to wider tensions in East Asia.

Why the U.S. Arms Sale to Taiwan Matters for Global Stability

The deal could reshape the balance of power in the region. Taiwan relies heavily on U.S. equipment to modernize its defense forces. The island says it has never been ruled by China’s Communist Party, despite Beijing’s claims of sovereignty.According to Reuters, China continues to call for “reunification.” It says it will take strong action if Taiwan moves toward formal independence. Taiwan rejects Beijing’s claims and says only its people can decide the island’s future.The dispute comes as China grows more active in global diplomacy. Beijing is also pushing for peace talks in the Russia-Ukraine war. It has tried to act as a mediator in Southeast Asia. These moves aim to expand China’s influence as a major global power.China also commented on the war in Gaza. It said more must be done to reach a ceasefire. Beijing said the world “owes Palestine justice” and that peace efforts must continue.

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The U.S. arms sale to Taiwan now sits at the center of these wider geopolitical shifts. The deal could shape decisions across Asia. It could also test relations between the world’s two biggest powers.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Why did China condemn the U.S. arms sale to Taiwan?

China says the sale harms its national security. It also says the deal encourages Taiwan to move toward independence.

Q2: How big is the new U.S. arms package?

The package is valued at over 11 billion dollars. It includes missiles, drones, artillery systems, and software.

Q3: Why does the U.S. sell weapons to Taiwan?

U.S. law requires Washington to help Taiwan defend itself. The United States says the support helps maintain stability in the region.

Q4: How did China respond to the sale?

China launched two days of military drills around Taiwan. It also issued strong warnings to Taiwan, the United States, and Japan.

Q5: What is Taiwan’s position on China’s claims?

Taiwan says it has never been ruled by China’s Communist Party. It says Beijing’s sovereignty claims are not legitimate.

Trusted Sources: AP News, Reuters, BBC