China Vows "Resolute Countermeasures" After $2 Billion US Arms Sale To Taiwan

China has vowed to take "resolute countermeasures" to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity in response to United States approving nearly $2 billion arms sale to Taiwan.

This comes after the US authorised potential sales of radar and surface-to-air missile systems to Taiwan, with the deal valued at around $1.988 billion, aiming to strengthen Taiwan's defence capabilities amid increasing tensions with China in the Taiwan Strait.

The United States, while lacking formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan, is bound by law to provide the self-governing island nation with defence capabilities, a longstanding policy that has consistently drawn strong criticism from China.

On Friday, the Pentagon announced the arms package sale, which includes an advanced air defence missile system, marking its first planned deployment to Taiwan.

In a statement issued late on Saturday (26 October), China's foreign ministry stated its strong condemnation and firm opposition to the sale, asserting that it has lodged "solemn representations" with the United States.

"China will take resolute countermeasures and take all measures necessary to firmly defend national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity," the ministry said, without mentioning what specific actions it intend to take.

In recent years, China has intensified military activities around Taiwan, including a new round of military exercises earlier this month.

Taiwan, which has a democratically elected government and opposes Beijing’s claims, welcomed the US arms sale.

Also Read: China Says Disengagement Process In Ladakh's Depsang, Demchok Areas Going "Smoothly"