China opposes US arms sale to Taiwan

BEIJING - China on Friday expressed resolute opposition to the signing by US President Barack Obama of a bill authorizing the sale of Perry-class guided missile frigates to Taiwan.

"The bill seriously violates the three China-US joint communiques, particularly the US commitments specified in the August 17 Communique," said Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang.

The United States agreed to gradually reduce arms sales to Taiwan under the August 17 Communique signed in 1982.

"China firmly opposes the arms sale to Taiwan by the US. This position is resolute, clear and consistent," Qin told a daily news briefing.

"It is a crude interference of China's internal affairs, damages China's sovereignty and security interests and goes against the trend of peaceful development in cross-strait relations," he added.

"China expresses strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to this and has lodged solemn representations with the United States both in Beijing and Washington. We reserve the right to take further action."