China urges U.S. to stop arms sales to Taiwan

China on Friday urged the United States to stop arms sales to Taiwan and its military links with the island.

In this Sept. 16, 2014, file photo, an F-16 fighter jet takes off from a closed section of highway in Chiayi, central Taiwan. [File photo: AP/Wally Santana]

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang made the remarks in response to reports that the U.S. government had approved a request by Taiwan to buy more than 60 F-16 fighter jets.

Geng said China's resolute opposition to U.S. arms sales to Taiwan is consistent and firm, and the country has lodged solemn representations with the United States over the issue.

The U.S. side should fully recognize the high sensitivity and severe harm of relevant issue, abide by the one-China principle and the three Sino-U.S. joint communiques, especially the Aug. 17 Communique, according to Geng.

He urged the U.S. side to stop arms sales and military contact with Taiwan, and prudently handle Taiwan-related issues to avoid severely damaging the Sino-U.S. cooperation in important spheres as well as the peace and stability of the Taiwan Strait.