China opposes US move to sell large scale arms to Taiwan

…Says it grossly interferes in China’s internal affairs

…Undermines China’s sovereignty, security, territorial integrity

From Aidoghie Paulinus, Abuja

The Government of the People’s Republic of China, has strongly deplored the United States large-scale arms sales to the Taiwan Region of China.

The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Nigeria, in a statement issued in Abuja by its spokesperson, said China has firmly opposed the decision and has lodged serious protests with the United States.

The Chinese Embassy further said China has decided to take countermeasures against 20 United States military-related companies and 10 senior executives.

The move by the United States, the Chinese Embassy stated, grossly interfered in China’s internal affairs, undermined China’s sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity, disrupted peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, and sent a seriously wrong message to Taiwan independence separatist forces and others.

The Embassy of China in Nigeria said: “In recent days, the United States has announced large-scale arms sales to China’s Taiwan region, which grossly interferes in China’s internal affairs, undermines China’s sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity, disrupts peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, and sends a seriously wrong message to “Taiwan independence” separatist forces and others. This move has provoked strong indignation among the Chinese people. China strongly deplores and firmly opposes this and has lodged serious protests with the U.S. side, deciding to take countermeasures against 20 U.S. military-related companies and 10 senior executives.

“The Joint Communiqué on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the People’s Republic of China and the United States of America, issued in 1978, clearly states: “The Government of the United States of America acknowledges the Chinese position that there is but one China and Taiwan is part of China. The United States of America recognizes the Government of the People’s Republic of China as the sole legal Government of China.” Furthermore, in the August 17 Communiqué signed with China in 1982, the U.S. government stated that “it does not seek to carry out a long-term policy of arms sales to Taiwan.” However, the U.S. has continuously reneged on its promises and persistently increased the scale of its arms sales to Taiwan. The Chinese government and the Chinese people are firmly opposed to this and will never accept it.”

The Embassy of China in Nigeria further said the Taiwan question is at the very core of China’s core interests and the first red line that must not be crossed in China–U.S. relations.

The Embassy added that no country or force shall ever underestimate the resolve, will, and ability of the Chinese government and people to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“The real threat to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait lies in separatist activities and external interference. Any move to arm Taiwan will only embolden “Taiwan independence” separatists and push the Taiwan Strait toward danger.

“Given the extensive common interests and broad space for cooperation between the two countries, China and the United States can become partners and friends, contribute to each other’s success, and promote shared prosperity for the good of both nations and the world. China urges the U.S. to abide by the one-China principle and the three Sino-U.S. joint communiqués, honor the serious commitments made by U.S. leaders, stop arming Taiwan, cease undermining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, and refrain from sending wrong signals to “Taiwan independence” separatist forces.

“In September 2024, during Nigerian President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to China, the leaders of the two countries jointly issued a statement in which Nigeria reaffirmed its firm commitment to the One-China Principle, clearly stating its opposition to any form of “Taiwan independence,” its opposition to interference in China’s internal affairs, and its firm support for the efforts of the Chinese government to achieve national reunification. China highly appreciates this position. At present, the China–Nigeria comprehensive strategic partnership has entered a “fast track,” characterized by strengthened political and strategic mutual trust as well as deepened practical cooperation across various fields. China looks forward to and believes that Nigeria will continue to support, with concrete actions, the just cause of the Chinese people in safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity and achieving national reunification,” the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Nigeria stated.