BEIJING, March 22 (Xinhua) -- China on Friday urged the United States to stop arms sales to Taiwan and its military links with the island.

Taipei 101 skyscraper in Taipei, southeast China's Taiwan. (Photo: Xinhua)

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang made the remarks in response to reports that the US government had approved a request by Taiwan to buy more than 60 F-16 fighter jets.

Geng said China's resolute opposition to US arms sales to Taiwan is consistent and firm, and the country has lodged solemn representations with the United States over the issue.

The US side should fully recognize the high sensitivity and severe harm of relevant issue, abide by the one-China principle and the three Sino-US joint communiques, especially the Aug. 17 Communique, according to Geng.

He urged the US side to stop arms sales and military contact with Taiwan, and prudently handle Taiwan-related issues to avoid severely damaging the Sino-US cooperation in important spheres as well as the peace and stability of the Taiwan Strait.