China on Wednesday voiced strong dissatisfaction and opposition as to the recent approval by the US Department of State of a $620 million upgrade package for the Lockheed Martin-built PAC-3 missile system to Taiwan. A military spokesperson announced that the PLA will take all necessary measures to safeguard the sovereignty and integrity of China as well as peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.

Wu Qian (File photo: official website of the Ministry of National Defense)

Wu Qian, a spokesperson of the Ministry of National Defense, noted that the US move is an open violation of the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiques, seriously injures the sovereignty and security of China and wantonly interferes in the internal affairs of China.

 “Taiwan is an indispensable part of China. China's position on the Taiwan question has been consistent and clear. China will never allow any one, any organization or any country to separate Taiwan from the Chinese mainland. Any attempts that go against the historical trends, pursue ‘one China, one Taiwan’ or separate China are doomed to be met with strong opposition from all Chinese compatriots including overseas Chinese,” said Wu.

He added that China urges the US to stop arms sales to Taiwan, lest it further harm cross-strait peace and stability as well as China-US ties and military relations. 

The ministry also sent a warning to the DPP authority, reminding them that the reunification of the motherland is in the overall national interest as well as the aspiration of people on both sides of the strait. Anyone or any force that attempts to bank on foreign forces to build itself up, or those who pursue independence via military force, will only find themselves at a dead end, according to Wu.