China Threatens U.S. Over Taiwan Arms Sales

BEIJING — China has threatened U.S. firms who sells weapons to Taiwan. Sanctions are expected, according to the Foreign Ministry whose leaders warn that “The United States must be responsible for the serious repercussions if it does not immediately reverse the mistaken decision to sell Taiwan weapons.” The ministry claims that the arms sales represent an interference in China’s domestic affairs and could negatively impact that country’s national security.

Taiwan claims that China aims 1,000 to 1,500 short-range and mid-range missiles at the island, 160 kilometres (miles) from China at its nearest point.

U.S. President Barak Obama announced to Congress last week that a proposed $6.4 billion package of sales to Taiwan is pending from three major players, including Sikorsky Aircraft, Lockheed Martin Corp., and Raytheon Co.

The sanctions, according to the Foreign Ministry, would be “corresponding,” with military contracts postponed.

Rifts have also occurred recently regarding Internet policy. Google Inc. in January threatened to shut its Chinese portal and pull out of China due to censorship problems and attacks of hacking, while Obama will perhaps meet with the Dalai Lama, the exiiled Tibetan leader who China officials deem a dangerous separatist.