China condemns, opposes US arms sales to Taiwan

Opposing the move, Chinese Ministry of National Defense spokesperson Wu Qian said late Wednesday that the US step violated the one-China principle, the three China-US joint communiques, and China's sovereignty and security interests.

"The decision severely undermines China-U.S. relations, destabilizes peace and security across the Taiwan Straits, and sends a dangerous, incorrect message to separatist forces advocating for Taiwan independence," Wu said.

Wu further urged the US to abandon its "two-faced" approach toward China and the Taiwan issue, as well as to halt arms provisions to the island.

"It must be emphasized that 'Taiwan independence' means war, and efforts to use Taiwan to contain China will ultimately cause harm to those who pursue this strategy," Wu warned.

China’s response follows US President Joe Biden's approval of $567 million in defense aid to Taiwan, a move announced around China's National Day on Oct. 1.