February 13, 2001

China Resolutely Opposes U.S. Arms Sales to Taiwan

China is resolutely opposed to U.S. arms sales to Taiwan and any form of incorporating Taiwan into its planned theater missile defense system, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Zhu Bangzao said on February 13 in Beijing.

China is firmly against the alleged U.S. sales of the PAC-3 missile defense system and other weapons to Taiwan, Zhu made the remarks in response to a question at a press briefing.

"We have noticed some news reports, which cited U.S. sources, about the possibility of U.S. selling PAC-3 missiles to Taiwan," Zhu said, adding that China is very concerned" over the reports.

He said that China had already made solemn representations to the U.S. side on many occasions and demanded that the U.S. fully recognize the danger of its sales of the above-mentioned weapons to Taiwan.

China also demands that the U.S. be earnest in responding to China's representations and strictly observe the one-China policy, the three joint communiques, and the relevant commitments it has made, he said.