China deeply concerned about U.S. arms sale to Taiwan

By Fuat Kabakci

BEIJING (AA) – The Chinese Foreign Ministry on Thursday expressed deep concern over a U.S. plan to sell arms to Taiwan.

The U.S. should prudently deal with issues related to Taiwan to prevent harm to bilateral relations and peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told a daily news conference in Beijing.

Washington is preparing to sell weapons worth more than $2 billion to Taiwan, according to U.S. media.

Taiwan’s Defense Ministry confirmed on Thursday that Taiwan requested more than 100 tanks, as well as more than 400 anti-tank missiles and 250 air defense systems from the U.S.

China does not accept Taiwan's independence in 1949 and argues that the island nation is its breakaway province.

* Writing by Zehra Nur Duz