China Friday voiced its strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition to the US arms sales plan which it regarded as wanton interference in its internal affairs.

 

Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said China firmly opposes the US arms sales to this island of China and urged the United States to cancel the sales plan.

 

Qin said, "Our position is consistent and clear."

 

The US Department of Defense has announced that it plans to sell Taiwan more than 400 missiles worth US$421 million, which would include Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air missiles, Maverick missiles, as well as spare parts and maintenance equipment.

 

The United States would violate commitments made in the three Sino-US joint communiques, in particular the joint communique signed between the two countries on Aug. 17, 1982, if it offers arms to Taiwan, Qin said.

 

Qin urged the United States to adhere to the one-China policy, honor the commitments it had made in the Sino-US joint communiques and oppose "Taiwan independence."

 

He said the United States should stop arms sales, end its military links with Taiwan and not encourage pro-independence forces so as to avoid jeopardizing peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits as well as Sino-US relations.

 

Qin said China has already lodged a solemn protest with the Americans concerning the plan.

 

(Xinhua News Agency March 3, 2007)