Chinese military urges France to cancel Taiwan arms deal

The Chinese military opposes any country selling arms to, or having any military interactions with, Taiwan, and urged France to immediately cancel the arms deal with the island, Senior Colonel Ren Guoqiang, spokesman of the Ministry of National Defense, said on Friday afternoon.

Ren made the remarks in response to recent reports of France planning to sell components for upgrading missile interference systems on the six Lafayette frigates sold to the island in 1991. France also sold Taiwan 60 Mirage fighter jets in 1992.

"There is only one China in the world, and Taiwan is an inseparable part of China," Ren said. "The Chinese side resolutely opposes any country selling arms to, or having any military interactions with, Taiwan."

"China urges France to immediately cancel the deal to avoid further damaging Sino-France military-to-military relations and bilateral ties," he said.

The Chinese military has the will, confidence and capability to thwart any secessionist efforts by foreign powers, and will adamantly safeguard national sovereignty, territorial integrity and the peace and stability of the Taiwan Straits, Ren said.