China Warns the United States Against Selling Parts for F-16 Fighters to Taiwan
China has threatened to respond firmly if the United States continues to supply Taiwan with spare parts for F-16 fighters and other military aircraft, asserting that such a deal constitutes a serious violation of the “One China” principle.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Jian stated, “The sale of U.S. weapons to Taiwan is a serious infringement of the ‘One China’ principle. China will take all necessary measures to defend its sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity.” He added that Washington’s provision of these weapons “violates international law and sends extremely misleading signals to separatist forces advocating Taiwan’s independence.”
Beijing emphasized that the Taiwan issue represents its core interests and is a “red line” that should not be crossed in bilateral relations. It urged the United States to cease supporting separatist forces and take concrete steps to protect China-U.S. relations and ensure peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.
The U.S. State Department had approved the sale of spare parts for F-16 fighters and other Taiwanese defense aircraft, as well as military transport aircraft of the C-130 model, amounting to a total value of $330 million, while affirming that this deal would not affect U.S. military readiness.
China regards Taiwan as an integral part of the Republic of China, insisting that adherence to the “One China” principle is a prerequisite for establishing or maintaining diplomatic relations with Beijing.
