Sentiment strong in China against US arms sale to Taiwan

Sentiment remains strong in China against Washington's plans to sell 6.4 billion dollars worth of arms to Taiwan.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry announced on Sunday that it has decided to partially halt the exchange programs between the militaries of the two countries, as well as the vice-ministerial consultation on strategic security, arms control and anti-proliferation. It stated that the reason for this is because Washington's move is gravely against the three joint communiques signed between the two sides. It constitutes crude interference in China's internal affairs, and harms China's national security and peaceful reunification efforts. China urges the US to adopt a serious attitude towards the Chinese position, and stop selling weapons to Taiwan. Public opinions fear the US deal may harm the relationship between the two countries.

Beijing resident Li Yu said, "I think it is a big mistake to sell weapons to Taiwan. It is not good for the people of the two countries, as we ordinary people want peace, not war."