China Suspends Military Exchanges, Will Sanction US Companies That Sell Arms to Taiwan
China Suspends Military Exchanges, Will Sanction US Companies That Sell Arms to Taiwan
State media say China is suspending military exchanges with the United States and will level sanctions against U.S. companies that sell arms to Taiwan after Washington said it intends to sell $6 billion in military equipment to Taiwan.
The official Xinhua news agency carried a strongly-worded statement from the ministry Saturday saying scheduled mutual visits by military personnel have been canceled because of the weapons deal.
A Foreign Ministry press release also said China will impose sanctions on U.S. companies involved in arms sales to Taiwan.
On Friday, the U.S. Department of Defense said it notified Congress of the possible sale of 60 Black Hawk helicopters, Patriot missiles, radar sets and communications equipment. However, the package does not include F-16 fighter jets that Taiwan had wanted.
Chinese Vice Foreign Minister He Yafei had warned earlier in the day of serious consequences, but did not elaborate.
The Chinese diplomat presented a formal protest to U.S. Ambassador Jon Huntsman in Beijing early Saturday, calling the proposed sale an interference in China’s internal affairs that seriously harms China’s national security.
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton told VOA Friday that “providing defensive equipment has actually enabled Taiwan to feel more comfortable in drawing closer to China in commercial interactions.”
Late Friday, the top U.S. military officer, Admiral Mike Mullen, said he is particularly concerned about the future of working-level exchanges between the American and Chinese militaries.
China considers self-ruled Taiwan as its sovereign territory, and has threatened to use military force if Taiwan attempts to claim formal independence.
The United States has a treaty commitment to help the island maintain its defenses, and wants Taiwan and China to settle their differences peacefully.
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