In his second term, U.S. President Trump on the 13th announced the first arms sale to Taiwan, totaling $330 million (about 1.36 billion Malaysian ringgit), including parts and maintenance services for F-16 fighter jets, C-130 transport aircraft, and Taiwan’s domestically-produced Ching-kuo (IDF) fighter jets. On the 15th, Chen Binhua, spokesperson for China's Taiwan Affairs Office, warned Lai Ching-te’s administration: “Seeking independence by relying on foreign powers” and “seeking independence by military means” is a dead end.
On the morning of the 15th, the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council of China released the spokesperson’s response to reporters’ questions. Chen Binhua stated that China’s firm and clear stance of resolutely opposing the U.S. sale of arms to the “Taiwan region of China” is consistent.
He said that this move by the U.S. severely harms “China’s sovereignty and security interests,” and sends a seriously erroneous signal to “Taiwan independence” separatist forces. The U.S. is urged to faithfully abide by the “one-China principle” and the three Sino-U.S. Joint Communiqués, especially the August 17 Communiqué, stop condoning and supporting “Taiwan independence” separatist forces, and handle the Taiwan issue with utmost prudence.
Chen Binhua emphasized that “Taiwan independence” and peace in the Taiwan Strait are irreconcilable. Since coming to power, Lai Ching-te’s administration has been constantly currying favor with and making concessions to external powers, engaging in reckless militarization, extravagantly squandering the hard-earned money of the Taiwanese people, and is willing to turn Taiwan into a “powder keg,” sacrificing the safety and well-being of the people of Taiwan.
Chen Binhua said, warning Lai Ching-te’s administration, “seeking independence by relying on foreign powers” and “seeking independence by military means” is a dead end. We will take all necessary measures to resolutely defend national sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity.