China expressed its "strong indignation and resolute opposition" to the new round of U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, Xinhua said on Thursday.
U.S. Ambassador to China Gary Locke was summoned to the Chinese Foreign Ministry late on Wednesday, where Chinese Deputy Foreign Minister Zhang Zhijun lodged protest over the U.S. administration's decision to sell weapons worth $5.85 billion to Taiwan.
However, the U.S. cancelled its previous decision to sell F-16C/D fighter jets to Taiwan, saying it would instead upgrade the Taiwan's F-16 fighter jets.
"China strongly urges the United States to be fully aware of the high sensitivity and serious harm of the issue, seriously treat the solemn stance of China, honor its commitment and immediately cancel the wrong decision," Xinhua quoted Zhang Zhijun as saying.
"The wrongdoing by the U.S. side will inevitably undermine bilateral relations as well as exchanges and cooperation in military and security areas," he said.
The deal violates three U.S.-Chinese communiques, including the August 17, 1972 joint statement in which Washington said it would gradually reduce its arms sales to Taiwan, which Beijing considers a rebel region to be reunited with the mainland.
