China suspends arms control talks with the US over Washington’s arms deliveries to Taiwan

Beijing: China said on Wednesday it had suspended key talks with the United States on arms control and non-proliferation and accused Washington of continuing to sell weapons to Taiwan.

When announcing the decision, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said the US would continue to sell weapons to self-governing Taiwan. China describes Taiwan as a rebel province that must be reunified with the mainland – even by force.

He said that despite Beijing’s resistance, US actions had “seriously damaged the political atmosphere necessary for continued arms control consultations between the two sides.”

“China has decided to suspend talks with the United States on holding a new round of consultations on arms control and non-proliferation,” Lin said at a press conference here.

“The responsibility for this situation lies entirely with the United States,” he said, clearly blaming Washington for the disruption of the talks.

China is willing to maintain contact with the United States on this issue, but only on the condition that “the United States must respect China’s core interests and create the necessary conditions for dialogue and exchanges between the two sides,” he said.

China and the United States resumed talks on arms control and nuclear non-proliferation less than a year ago after the end of Covid restrictions.

The first meeting between the two countries in four years took place in Washington last November. According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, both countries agreed on the importance of maintaining communication based on respect and trust.

In addition to tensions over trade issues with Taiwan, South China Sea and technology issues were reportedly another reason why China broke off crucial talks.

The US has continued to sell high-tech weapons to Taiwan in recent years, ignoring Beijing’s repeated objections. While successive US administrations have supported Taiwan’s autonomous status, Washington is committed to the one-China policy.

The United States approved a $95 billion development aid package in April that included arms deliveries to Taiwan. Washington later approved $300 million worth of tactical systems for Taiwan.