Million Dollar Arms Sale to China

The US Department of State announced on November 29 its approval of sales to Taiwan, including F-16 spare parts, an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar system, and a Mobile Subscriber Equipment (MSE) tactical communication system. The statement noted expenditures of $320 million for jet spare parts and radar systems and $65 million for the tactical communication system.
The Taiwan Ministry of Defense expressed gratitude to US authorities, stating that the sale will support Taiwan's self-defense capabilities and contribute to regional stability.
CHINA'S REACTION TO WEAPONS SALE
China's Foreign Ministry condemned the US approval of the $385 million weapons sale to Taiwan, arguing it violates the "One China" principle and the Three Joint Communiqués, particularly the August 17, 1982 agreement not to sell long-term weapons to Taiwan.
The statement emphasized that the sale threatens China's sovereignty and security interests and that China protests through diplomatic channels, urging the US to stop arming Taiwan and supporting separatist forces.
ORIGINS OF THE TAIWAN CRISIS
The Taiwan issue, one of the most critical points in Asia-Pacific politics, dates back to World War II. After the war, a civil war between the Nationalist Party and Communist Party ended with the Communists' victory. Defeated Nationalist leaders fled to Taiwan.
During the Cold War, Taiwan represented China at the UN until 1971, when the UN recognized the People's Republic of China, expelling Taiwan.
China maintains the "One China" principle, claiming Taiwan as part of its territory.
STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE
Taiwan is located at a crucial "bottleneck" on the Pacific Ocean's western coast. Beijing opposes foreign military presence in these straits and does not approve Taiwan's independent diplomatic relations.
Taiwan has sought independence since World War II. The Nationalist Party that fled to Taiwan now serves as the opposition and currently follows a policy closer to China.