US arms sales will do nothing but worsen cross-Strait situation

THE sales plan of US arms unveiled on Monday is a dangerous move that will only aggravate the already complex situation across the Taiwan Strait.

The US government has approved a possible US$500 million military sale to Taiwan, claiming that the move will improve the security and defense capability of the island.

Taiwan leader Tsai Ing-wen has expressed her “gratitude,” describing the sale as “timely.”

The situation across the Taiwan Strait is worsening as the United States uses Taiwan to “contain” China while the Taiwan administration keeps seeking foreign intervention.

The Taiwan issue concerns China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and is the most important and sensitive issue in China-US relations.

The arms sales to Taiwan is a serious violation of international law, the basic norms governing international relations, the one-China principle and the Sino-US joint communiques.

This action directly undermines China’s sovereignty and security interests.

China’s firm opposition to such arms sales is consistent and firm.

Since the current US administration took office, it has constantly played the “Taiwan card,” especially in arms sales and military exchanges.

This has seriously damaged ChinaUS relations and jeopardized peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.

The Taiwan question, which concerns China’s core interests and the national bond of the Chinese people, brooks no external interference.

The US administration has once again stirred up nerves in the Taiwan Strait. Its gross interference in China’s internal affairs has aroused strong indignation of Chinese people on both sides of the Strait. Some Taiwan organizations and people protested outside the American Institute in Taiwan in Taipei, condemning the arms sales and demanding “no war, only peace,” and protesting “Taiwan is not a pawn for the United States.”

Escalated provocation

The US side must clearly recognize the delicacy of the situation and the serious harm that these arms sales will cause.

It is time to correct mistakes, honor its commitments and handle Taiwanrelated issues in a prudent and proper manner in accordance with the one-China principle and the provisions of the joint communiques.

Taiwan’s current Democratic Progressive Party administration, which is teetering on the brink of collapse, was overjoyed at the sales which amount to nothing more than clutching at straws.

Tsai and the DPP have escalated provocation of the Chinese mainland, created disturbances and is in cahoots with the United States in vigorously clamoring a “military threat” from the mainland.

With a general election on the island next year, Tsai and the DPP will not hesitate to let Taiwan be the puppet of forces of external interference in order to protect their tenuous grip on power, regardless of the safety and well-being of the Taiwan people.

This party has not only misjudged the situation but also deviated from the people’s heart.

US weapons cannot guarantee Taiwan’s security.

Tsai and the DPP cannot secure their power and position by seeking foreign interference or threatening the people.

Tsai, the DPP and Taiwan separatists should not play with fire or even think about it. They are doomed to be alone in the face of the consequences of their own actions.

On April 17, 124 years ago, the Treaty of Shimonoseki was signed, securing foreign occupation of Taiwan for half a century. It left lasting, painful memories for all Chinese.

Today’s China will never allow the historical tragedy of national division to repeat itself.

No one and no force should underestimate the determination and capability of the Chinese in safeguarding their national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

(Xinhua)