China's Foreign Ministry issued two statements Sunday in which Beijing officials “strongly oppose” Taiwan President Lai Chingte's stopover in Hawaii, as well as the State Department's approval of the sale of military equipment. to this country in the amount of 385 million dollars.
The spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China said in a statement that “China strongly condemns the “suspension” of Lai Ching-te by the United States and has expressed a serious official protest against the American side.”
The first stop for President Lai, who embarked on his first foreign trip on Saturday, including visits to the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu and Palau, was a stopover in Hawaii. There he was met by the governor of that state. The Chinese authorities oppose any official communication between foreign officials and the Taiwanese authorities.
Lai Ching-te in Hawajach PAP/EPA/EPA/LIU SHU FU/OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT OF TAIWAN
On Friday, Washington announced the sale of military equipment to Taiwan, including spare parts for F-16 fighter jets and radar systems, which Beijing officials said was a “serious violation of China's sovereignty and security interests.” another statement.
The US does not have formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan, but is considered its biggest ally and arms supplier, which angers Beijing.
Photo Source: PAP/EPA/EPA/LIU SHU FU/OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT OF TAIWAN
