Preview

China says US is 'playing with fire' after latest military aid for Taiwan

Please log in to download this media. Not registered? Register now!
Metadata
  • China says US is 'playing with fire' after latest military aid for Taiwan
  • December 22, 2024
  • Article Body Text Beijing — <p>The Chinese government protested Sunday the latest American announcements of military sales and assistance to Taiwan, warning the United States that it is &quot;playing with fire.&quot;</p> <p>U.S. President Joe Biden authorized Saturday the provision of up to $571 million in Defense Department material and services and in military education and training for self-ruled Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its territory and says must come under its control. Separately, the Defense Department said Friday that $295 million in military sales had been approved.</p> <p>A Chinese Foreign Ministry statement urged the U.S. to stop arming Taiwan and stop what it called &quot;dangerous moves that undermine peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.&quot;</p> <p>U.S. military sales and assistance aim to help Taiwan defend itself and deter China from launching an attack.</p> <p>The $571 million in military assistance comes on top of Biden's authorization of $567 million for the same purposes in late September. The military sales include $265 million for about 300 tactical radio systems and $30 million for 16 gun mounts.</p> <p>Taiwan's Foreign Ministry welcomed the approval of the two sales, saying in a post on X that it reaffirmed the U.S. government's &quot;commitment to our defense.&quot;</p> <p>In October, the U.S. approved $2 billion in arms sales to Taiwan, including the first-time delivery of an advanced surface-to-air missile defense system, also drawing China's criticism while Beijing has responded with war drills around Taiwan.</p> <p>Taiwan earlier this month demanded that China end its ongoing military activity in nearby waters, which it said undermined peace and stability and disrupted international shipping and trade.</p> <p>U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has said he would not commit to defending Taiwan if China were to invade during his presidency.</p> <p>Trump has also said that Taiwan should pay the U.S. for defending it against China, likening the relationship to insurance. Taiwan spends about 2.5% of its GDP on defense.</p>
  • Content Type Text
  • Language English
  • NewsML Media Topics Arts, Culture, Entertainment and Media
  • Subtitles / Dubbing Available No
  • Network VOA
  • Embargo Date December 22, 2024 18:26 EST
  • Byline Associated Press
  • Brand / Language Service Voice of America - English
Related records