Venezuela criticised the United States on Monday over its decision to approve a large-scale arms sale to Taiwan, aligning itself with Beijing as tensions escalated around the island.
In a statement issued by the foreign ministry, the Venezuelan government said the sale interfered in China’s internal affairs and breached international commitments undertaken by Washington.
It reiterated its support for the one-China principle and said Taiwan is “an inalienable part of China’s territory”.
Advertisement
The comments followed Washington’s approval of an arms package to Taiwan valued at about US$11 billion, one of the largest such sales in recent years.
The deal includes advanced weapons systems intended to strengthen Taiwan’s military capabilities and comes amid heightened friction between the United States and mainland China over the island’s status.
PLA kicks off military exercises around Taiwan
PLA kicks off military exercises around Taiwan
Beijing sees Taiwan as part of China to be reunited by force if necessary. Most countries, including the US, do not recognise Taiwan as an independent state, but Washington is opposed to any attempt to take the self-governed island by force and is committed to supplying it with weapons.