China to respond to planned Taiwan-US military talks

China has voiced strong opposition to planned military talks between the United States and Taiwan, warning that it would give the “necessary response” to the negotiations.

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Hua Chunying made the remark during a regular press briefing in Beijing on Wednesday, after Washington declared it had decided to hold a “political-military dialog” with Taiwanese authorities later in the day.

The Chinese spokeswoman said Beijing was “resolutely opposed” to the talks, adding that it would give a “necessary response based on how the situation develops.”

She further said China urged the United States to “immediately stop any form of official exchanges and military links with Taiwan, to avoid further damaging stability in the Taiwan Strait and Sino-US relations.”

Taiwan’s foreign ministry has also refused to disclose the details of the talks.

Beijing has sovereignty over self-ruled Taiwan, and under the “One China” policy, almost all world countries — including the US — recognize that sovereignty.

The Taiwanese government signed a 62-billion-dollar deal early last year to purchase F-16 fighter jets from the US.

Beijing has repeatedly warned the US against expanding ties with Taiwan, calling the weapons sales a violation of China’s sovereignty.

SS