Beijing criticises first Taiwan arms deal since Trump’s return to White House

Beijing has strongly criticised the latest possible US arms sale to Taiwan, accusing Washington of grossly violating the one-China principle.

On Thursday, the Pentagon announced that the US had approved a deal to sell US$330 million worth of fighter jet parts to the island.

It is the first arms deal with Taipei since President Donald Trump returned to the White House in January.

Beijing’s foreign ministry said the deal seriously violated the one-China principle and “gravely infringed upon China’s sovereignty and security interests”.

“China will take all necessary measures to resolutely defend national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity,” ministry spokesman Lin Jian said on Friday.

He also urged Washington to honour the commitments made by US leaders and stop supporting what it described as “Taiwan independence” forces.

Beijing sees Taiwan as part of China to be reunited by force if necessary. The United States, in common with most countries, does not recognise Taiwan as an independent state, but is opposed to any attempt to take the self-ruled island by force and is committed to supplying it with weapons to defend itself.