The Chinese government has condemned a plan by the U.S. to sell $6 billion in advanced weapons to Taiwan. From the International Herald Tribune:
Among the weapons proposed for sale were $3.1 billion in Patriot Advanced Capability-3 guided missile systems, a sophisticated array of missiles, radars and control systems designed to defend against missiles and aircraft.
Also included in the proposed deal were $2.5 billion worth of Apache attack helicopters and support systems.
About $250 million in equipment to upgrade Taiwan’s E-2T Hawkeye surveillance aircraft was included, and $200 million in Harpoon anti-ship missiles.
On Saturday, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman, Liu Jianchao, was quoted from Beijing as saying that the government strongly opposed the deal and warning that it could damage ties between Beijing and Washington if it went through.
Also read Xinhua’s report on the deal:
The US government, in spite of China’s repeated solemn representations, on Friday notified the Congress about its plan to sell arms to Taiwan, including Patriot III anti-missile system, E-2T airborne early warning aircraft upgrade system, Apache helicopters and other equipment.
Chinese Vice Foreign Minister He Yafei has summoned the charge d’affaires of the US Embassy to China to raise strong protest against the US move, according to spokesman.
China firmly opposes to arms sales by the United States to Taiwan, said Liu, noting that this has been a consistent and clear stance of China.
