BEIJING - China called on the United States on Friday to cancel a missile sale to Taiwan, saying such weapons deals violated Washington's avowed one-China policy and created instability across the Straits.

The US Defense Department told Congress this week it had approved the possible sale of up to US$421 million in missiles built by Raytheon Co. to Taiwan for use on its F-16 fighter jets.

"The Chinese side expresses its strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition and has already made solemn representations to the US side," Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said in a statement on the ministry's Web site (www.fmprc.gov.cn).

Qin said the missile sale was an interference in China's internal affairs and a violation of Washington's commitment to recognise Beijing as the only legitimate Chinese government.

The United States should "immediately cancel the relevant sale of arms to the Taiwan military and stop weapons sales to Taiwan and US-Taiwan military contact", he said.

Washington should not encourage Taiwan independence and should "avoid further harming peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and China-US relations", Qin said.