“NEGOTIATING CHIP”
The US State Division stated in an announcement to the New York Instances that “US regulation prohibits arms gross sales to China and there’s no supply or plan to promote arms to China”.
The Chinese language international ministry didn’t straight reply when requested concerning the feedback on Monday, however stated China has “at all times strengthened its nationwide defence capabilities based mostly by itself wants, and stays dedicated to sustaining world peace and stability.”
Beijing warned Taiwan in June that looking for independence “by counting on the US or by means of navy means is a lifeless finish”.
Trump has maintained a strategically ambiguous stance over Taiwan, refusing to say straight whether or not the US would come to its assist if China invades, whereas persevering with to approve weapons gross sales.
Washington authorised a US$11.1 billion arms sale to Taiwan in December, which Perdue stated was a sale of “extra arms to Taiwan than every other president since 1979”.
The US paused a US$14 billion weapons buy by Taiwan in Might, with Trump calling it a “superb negotiating chip” in dealings with China, elevating fears that Taiwan’s safety might be traded away.
