BEIJING, Aug. 25 -- "The US's planed arms sale to Taiwan threatens the safety and wellbeing of Taiwan compatriots and the peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. China is strongly dissatisfied with and firmly opposed to that, and has lodged stern representations with the US side," said Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, a spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense, when responding to the media's question on Friday.
About the US's approval of the saleof infrared search and track systems for F-16 fighter jets to Taiwan, the spokesperson pointed out that the US's act grossly interferes in China's internal affairs, and seriously violates the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiqués, especially the August 17 Communiqué of 1982.
The defense spokesperson emphasized that the Taiwan question is at the very core of China's core interests, the bedrock of the political foundation of China-US relations, and the first red line that must not be crossed in China-US relations. China urges the US side to honor its commitment of not supporting "Taiwan independence", and stop arming Taiwan and elevating its military ties with the island immediately.
"The Chinese PLA will always stay on high alert, resolutely defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and safeguard peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait," reiterated the spokesperson in the end.