Chinese defense ministry urges US to stop arms sale to Taiwan

A Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman on Wednesday urged the United States to stop arms sale to Taiwan in order to ensure the steady development of Sino-U.S. military relations. Yang Yujun said at a monthly press briefing in Beijing that the United States promised to reduce its arm sales to Taiwan in accordance with the Sino-U.S. "August 17 Communique" signed in 1982, but it has run contrary to its commitment despite China's solemn representation. "I think the way the United States handles some issues in Sino-U.S. ties is neither professional nor diplomatic," Yang said. The U.S. government announced in late September its decision to sell arms worth 5.85 billion U.S. dollars to Taiwan, including upgrades for 145 of Taiwan's fighter jets. The wrongdoing by the U.S. side has negatively impacted China's core interests and undermined bilateral military relations between the two countries, said Yang. He said respect for the core interests and major concerns of both sides is an important precondition for the steady development of Sino-U.S. military relations. "We hope that the United States will stop selling weapons to Taiwan and make joint efforts with the Chinese side to advance bilateral military ties in a healthy, stable and reliable way," he added.