US arms sales encouraging 'Taiwan independence' forces

A Chinese mainland spokesman said on Monday that the United States' sale of weapons to Taiwan is encouraging "Taiwan independence" acts, disrupting peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

The US government announced military aid worth about $567 million to Taiwan, a move appreciated by the ruling Democratic Progressive Party authorities.

Chen Binhua, a spokesman for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said, "We firmly oppose any form of military contact between the US and Taiwan, and we firmly oppose the US providing weapons to Taiwan."

He urged the US to earnestly abide by the one-China principle and to stop sending any erroneous signals to "Taiwan independence" forces.

Chen said that the DPP authorities resorting to force will not bring security to Taiwan but will only lead to increased military risks and dangers.

He warned the DPP authorities that no matter how many weapons they acquire from the US, it will not shake the mainland's firm resolve to resolve the Taiwan question and achieve national reunification, nor will it hinder the mainland's strong capability to thwart "Taiwan independence" schemes and safeguard national sovereignty.