Beijing condemns U.S.-Taiwan arms deal, vows firm response
Authorities in Beijing have issued a stern statement regarding the transaction planned by Washington and Taipei. The Americans have agreed to sell Taiwan a missile system worth approximately £950 million. In response, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the transaction "seriously violates China's sovereignty." On the day the agreement was announced, the Chinese military conducted a "combat readiness test" around Taiwan.
Taiwan's defense ministry announced that the American system "will enhance Taiwan's capabilities in surveillance, fire conduct, command and control, and intelligence data integration, which proved effective during the war in Ukraine."
These explanations irritated the Chinese authorities, who perceived the strengthening of the defense of a state not recognized in Beijing as a threat to their own interests. Chinese authorities announced they would take "all necessary measures to firmly defend sovereignty."
A communiqué issued by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the transaction "seriously violates China's sovereignty," "significantly harms Sino-American relations," and "threatens peace" in the Taiwan Strait.
Anger in China after USA's decision. Beijing orders a show of force
Taipei's Ministry of National Defense reported on Sunday that 19 Chinese army military aircraft are operating around Taiwan, including Su-30 fighters. Chinese navy ships' increased activity was also observed nearby. The Chinese military stated that it is conducting a "combat readiness test."
According to the terms of the agreement between the United States and Taiwan, the island will receive three advanced NASAMS missile systems, 123 medium-range missiles, and two radar systems.
Source: PAP
