China promises ‘countermeasures’ to US arms sale to Taiwan
China’s foreign ministry has strongly condemned the United States for approving a $385 million arms sale to Taiwan, as well as allowing Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te to visit Hawaii and Guam, a U.S. territory. The sale includes spare parts for F-16 fighter jets and radar components, further exacerbating tensions between the U.S. and China over Taiwan’s status.
Chinese officials criticized the arms deal, stating that it sends the wrong signal about relations in the Indo-Pacific region. They also condemned Lai’s visit to the U.S., as China considers Taiwan to be its sovereign territory and opposes any validation of the island’s government.
The U.S. has a history of showing support for Taiwan through military agreements, operations, and diplomatic engagements with Taiwanese officials. This has often led to backlash from China, with saber-rattling and military drills being conducted in response to U.S.-Taiwan interactions.
President-elect Trump has indicated that his administration will continue to prioritize relations with Taiwan. His nominees for key positions, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, are seen as China hawks who advocate for a tough stance on Beijing. Rubio has pledged to work with Trump to support Taiwan and has called for increased defense spending by the island nation.
The ongoing tensions between the U.S., China, and Taiwan highlight the complex geopolitical dynamics in the region. As the U.S. continues to show support for Taiwan, China remains steadfast in its assertion of sovereignty over the island. The situation is likely to remain a point of contention in U.S.-China relations in the coming years.
Anders Hagstrom is a reporter with Fox News Digital covering national politics and major breaking news events. For tips, reach out to Anders.Hagstrom@Fox.com or follow him on Twitter: @Hagstrom_Anders.
