China condemns US weapons deal with Taipei, warns of counteract

China has condemned the $100 million US arms sale to Chinese Taipei, warning that it “seriously” undermines peace and stability in the region.

China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said on Tuesday the latest planned sale "seriously undermines" the relations between Washington and Beijing, as well as peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

He also said that China would take measures to uphold its own security interests.

"China will take legitimate and strong measures to uphold its own sovereignty and security interests," the spokesman told a daily news briefing.

On Monday, the US approved the sale of equipment and services worth $100 million to Taipei to boost its Patriot missile defense system.

Taipei on Tuesday expressed "gratitude" to Washington for approving the deal.

China has repeatedly called on the US to strictly abide by the "One China" principle when handling issues related to Taipei, warning that Beijing has no room for compromise on issues involving its core interests, including its territorial integrity.

SS