China says it will respond to $2bn US-Taiwan arms sale

China has strongly condemned the latest 2bn 1.5bn) arms sale approved by the US for Taiwan, declaring it a threat to regional peace and promising decisive counter-measures in response.

- NAMITA SINGH

The arms sale, which includes advanced missile systems intended to bolster Taiwan’s air defences, has prompted Beijing to warn of further military action as it intensifies its own presence around the island.

“China will take resolute counter-measures and all necessary steps to defend its sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity,” the country’s foreign ministry said in a statement late on Saturday. Beijing also lodged “solemn representations” with Washington, urging the US to stop what it described as “dangerous moves” that risk further destabilising the Taiwan Strait.

The Pentagon on Friday confirmed the arms sale, which includes three National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (Nasams), valued at about $1.16bn, and radar systems worth around $828m. The Nasams have been tested in combat in Ukraine. They are the first of their kind to be given to Taiwan, marking a significant enhancement to its defensive arsenal as it faces threats from China.