China’s Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) has expressed "resolute opposition and strong condemnation" following the U.S. government’s announcement of an arms sale to Taiwan valued at approximately US11 billion (HK85.6 billion).
The TAO stated that the Taiwan issue remains the "core of China's core interests" and represents the first "insurmountable red line" in U.S.-China relations. The office accused Washington of "grossly interfering" in China’s internal affairs and severely violating the one-China principle and the three U.S.-China joint communiqués.
The U.S. government initiated the congressional notification process on December 17 for eight major equipment packages. These include HIMARS rocket systems, howitzers, Javelin anti-tank missiles, Altius loitering munition drones and parts for other equipment
Pending approval by the U.S. Congress, this transaction will mark the second arms sale to Taiwan since Donald Trump returned to the White House in January.
TAO spokesperson Chen Binhua said in a statement that the move "sends a seriously wrong signal to 'Taiwan independence' separatist forces." He specifically cited the August 17 Communiqué, asserting that the massive arms package undermines China’s sovereignty and security interests.
"We demand that the U.S. side immediately stop 'arming Taiwan,' stop indulging and supporting 'Taiwan independence' separatist forces, and handle the Taiwan issue with extreme caution," Chen said.
The spokesperson further criticized Taiwan’s Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities for "relying on the U.S. for independence" and "seeking independence through force." Chen claimed the DPP is turning Taiwan into a "powder keg" and an "ammunition depot," warning that such actions would bring "deep disaster" to the Taiwanese people and treat them as "cannon fodder."
Concluding the statement, Chen urged the public in Taiwan to recognize the "evil nature" of the DPP’s actions. He issued a warning that national unification is "unstoppable" and that any attempt by separatist forces to cross the red line would be met with a "head-on blow."
