China Disapproves of US Support for Taiwan Independence Forces
Monday, China’s foreign ministry expresses disapproval of the United States’ support for the Taiwan independence forces.
On Monday, China’s foreign ministry expressed disapproval of the United States’ support for the Taiwan independence forces.
She also said, “We reject the visit of the Vice President of Taiwan to America in the form of ‘transit’ next month.”
US Urged to Accelerate Arms Shipments to Taiwan
It comes after General Mark Milley, chairman of the US Army Joint Chiefs of Staff, told reporters during a visit to Tokyo on Friday: “It is imperative that the United States and its allies accelerate arms shipments to Taiwan in the coming years to help the island protect myself”.
He added that Taiwan needs weapons such as air defense systems and weapons capable of hitting ships from land. “I think it’s important to improve Taiwan’s military and defense capabilities,” he said.
Milley also said that relations between the United States and China were “deteriorating dramatically” and that recent diplomatic meetings, including between US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and senior Chinese diplomat Wang Yi, were important in reducing the likelihood of an escalation.
The Most Important Weapon Resource
The United States is Taiwan’s most important arms supplier. Beijing has repeatedly called for an end to US arms sales to Taiwan as unwarranted support for a democratically governed island over which Beijing claims sovereignty.
Since last year, Taiwan has been complaining about delays in deliveries of US weapons such as Stinger anti-aircraft missiles as arms makers diverted supplies to Ukraine, which is at war with Russian forces.
Taiwan said its defense spending this year will focus on preparing weapons and equipment for a “comprehensive blockade” of China, including spare parts for F-16 fighter jets and resupplying weapons.
And in August, China conducted military exercises around the island, fired missiles over Taipei, and declared no-fly and no-fly zones, mimicking what it would do if it tried to blockade Taiwan during a war.
