Photo: China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian

Responding to a Global Times question on Friday at a regular press conference about reports that the US Department of Defense announced the State Department's approval of the first Taiwan arms sale under President Donald Trump's second term, which is worth about $330 million and covers "non-standard spare parts" and maintenance services for F-16s, C-130s and IDF fighter jets, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Friday that the US move seriously violates the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiqués, particularly the August 17 Communiqué. He said the sale gravely infringes on China's sovereignty and security interests, breaches international law, and sends a grave and erroneous signal to "Taiwan independence" separatist forces. China is strongly dissatisfied and firmly opposes the decision.

Lin told the Global Times at the press conference that the Taiwan question is at the core of China's core interests and the first red line that must not be crossed in China-US relations. He urged the US to honor the one-China principle and the three joint communiqués, implement the US leadership's commitments to China on the Taiwan question, and stop supporting or indulging "Taiwan independence" forces seeking separatism through military buildup. 

China will take all necessary measures to firmly safeguard its national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity, Lin added.

Global Times