"For some time now, the United States has been selling arms to the Taiwan administration despite strong Chinese opposition and repeated negotiations," Lin said. "China has decided to suspend consultations [on arms control and non-proliferation] with the United States."
The diplomat held the American side responsible for this decision and pointed to Beijing's readiness to maintain relevant contacts with Washington "based on mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and mutually beneficial cooperation."
Lin Jian urged the United States to "respect China's basic interests and form the necessary conditions for a dialogue and consultation between the two countries."
The issue of Taiwan has long been a source of tension between China and the United States. China considers Taiwan a breakaway province that must be reunified with the mainland, while the US maintains a policy of "strategic ambiguity" regarding the island's status. The US has continued to sell arms to Taiwan, despite Beijing's strong opposition, as part of its commitment to the island's self-defense capabilities.
The suspension of the arms control talks is the latest development in the ongoing tensions between China and the US over the Taiwan issue. Beijing has long opposed American arms sales to Taiwan, which it considers a violation of the "One China" policy.
The Chinese government has repeatedly warned the US against strengthening its ties with Taiwan, which it views as a precursor to the island's formal independence.
The decision to suspend the arms control consultations is seen as a strong message from China to the US, underscoring its determination to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity. It also highlights the growing strategic rivalry between the two superpowers, as they navigate the complex geopolitical landscape of the Asia-Pacific region.
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