China condemns US arms deal with Taiwan as escalation of tensions

Chinese officials have condemned a new U.S. arms package for Taiwan, valued at $2 billion, calling it a "gravely wrong" escalation. The package includes missile systems and radar equipment, which China claims undermines its sovereignty and escalates tensions. Beijing views Taiwan as a breakaway province and has warned that it will take necessary measures to defend its claims. The Chinese Embassy in the U.S. stated that the arms sales violate the One China principle and harm China-U.S. relations. In response to Taiwan's pro-independence stance, China has conducted military exercises around the island. The U.S. maintains strong ties with Taiwan, emphasizing the importance of the island in regional security and economic interests.