This illustration shows the Chinese and Taiwanese flags Photo by Dado Ruvic/Illustration photo
Beijing has strongly condemned the US decision to continue military support for Taiwan, including new deliveries of M1A2 Abrams battle tanks and plans to further increase arms sales over the next four years. This was stated by Chinese Ministry of Defence spokesman Jiang Bin during a briefing, Ukrinform reports.
“We are categorically dissatisfied and strongly oppose this. This is yet another example of attempts to change the status quo in the Taiwan Strait,” he stressed.
China views the Taiwan issue as the “first red line” in relations with the United States and warns Washington against “playing with fire”. Beijing is confident that no American weapons will help the Taiwanese authorities achieve independence.
“Attempts to enlist the support of foreign countries are doomed to failure. No weapons will save the separatists,” Jiang said.
He also said that the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) will continue active military training and will be ready to take decisive action against any manifestations of “separatism” and foreign interference.
This escalation of rhetoric is indicative of growing tensions in the Taiwan Strait amid strategic rivalry between the US and China.
