China considers Taiwan part of its territory, to be recovered one day, and opposes any type of official relationship between the island’s authorities and foreign governments.
The State Department insisted that this first aid program does not imply any recognition of Taiwan’s sovereignty.
“Consistent with the Taiwan Relations Act and our long-standing one-China policy, which has not changed, the United States makes available to Taiwan the defense articles and services necessary to enable it to maintain a self-defense capability.” , declared a spokesperson for the agency.
“The United States has an abiding interest in peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, which is critical to regional and global security and prosperity,” he added.
For its part, China’s Defense Ministry warned in a briefing that US military aid to Taiwan would harm the island.
“US military aid and sales to Taiwan only fuel the US military-industrial complex and harm the security and well-being of Taiwanese compatriots,” said Wu Qian, a spokesperson for the ministry.
“In this regard, the People’s Liberation Army will, as always, take all necessary measures to counter it resolutely,” he added, referring to the Chinese army by its official name.
While the State Department did not publicly announce the aid or provide details, a source familiar with the announcement said the assistance would consist of support for improving surveillance at sea.
With information from AFP