China: China has announced it will implement “countermeasures” to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity following the United States’ approval of a $2 billion arms sale package to Taiwan.
The deal, which awaits Congressional approval, includes the delivery of advanced air defence missile systems battle-tested in Ukraine, as well as surface-to-air missile systems and radar.
In a statement issued, China’s foreign ministry strongly condemned the arms sale and indicated it had lodged “solemn representations” with the US government.
The ministry urged the US to immediately halt its military support to Taiwan, which it claims as part of its territory, and criticised actions it views as undermining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.
“China will take resolute countermeasures and all measures necessary to firmly defend national sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity,” the ministry stated.
We welcome #US🇺🇲 government approval of arms sales of US$1.988 billion to #Taiwan🇹🇼, reaffirming its commitment to our defense under the #TaiwanRelationsAct & #SixAssurances. We’re determined to strengthen our self-defense capabilities & safeguard #TaiwanStrait peace. https://t.co/166h3ujqXV
— 外交部 Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ROC (Taiwan) 🇹🇼 (@MOFA_Taiwan) October 26, 2024
Despite the lack of formal diplomatic ties, US law mandates that Taiwan be provided with the means to defend itself, a policy that has long angered Beijing. The proposed sale comprises $1.16 billion in missile systems and an estimated $828 million in radar systems.
The missile systems include three National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) units, featuring advanced AMRAAM Extended Range surface-to-air missiles.
Demand for NASAMS has surged since its successful deployment in Ukraine. Taiwan’s defence ministry welcomed the announcement, noting the proven effectiveness of NASAMS and asserting that the systems would enhance its air defence capabilities amid frequent military manoeuvres by China.
Over the past five years, China has increased its military activities around Taiwan, which has a democratically elected government that rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims, including conducting a new series of war games earlier this month.
In a statement, Taiwan’s foreign ministry declared that, “In the face of China’s threats, Taiwan is duty-bound to protect its homeland and will continue to demonstrate its determination to defend itself.”
In response, China’s foreign ministry asserted that the arms package “seriously damages China-US relations and endangers peace and stability” in the Taiwan Strait. Beijing has not ruled out the use of force to assert control over Taiwan. In September, China imposed sanctions on US defence companies as retaliation for previous arms sales to Taiwan.
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