China blasts US over Taiwan arms sale and president’s visit

The U.S. has agreed to sell $385 million worth of parts and support for F-16 jets to Taiwan. China says this sends a bad message and hurts its relationship with the U.S.

China sees Taiwan as part of its territory. It doesn’t want other countries to have official ties with the island. Beijing strongly opposes Taiwan’s independence and calls Lai a "separatist."

[Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te arrives at the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency during his visit to Honolulu, Hawaii, on November 30, 2024. AFP by Getty Images]

Taiwan President Visits the U.S.

President Lai is on his way to visit three Pacific island nations, but he stopped in Hawaii first. While there, he visited the USS Arizona Memorial to honor those who died in the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor.

Lai spoke about the importance of peace. “Peace is priceless, and war has no winner,” he said. He urged everyone to work together to prevent conflict. Lai also met with Taiwanese community members and local politicians, including U.S. Congress members Ed Case and Jill Tokuda.

After Hawaii, Lai will travel to the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, and Palau. He will also stop in Guam, another U.S. territory with a major military base.

China Responds Strongly

China has made its anger clear. Its foreign ministry called the stopovers a provocation. Beijing firmly opposes any U.S.-Taiwan interactions and criticized Lai’s transit through U.S. territories.

[Image Credit: AP Photo]

China hinted it might hold more military drills near Taiwan in response. Earlier this year, China conducted two big rounds of war games near the island. Security experts believe Beijing wants to show its military strength to discourage Taiwan’s independence moves.

Taiwan’s Stand

Taiwan’s government rejects China’s claim over the island. President Lai says Taiwan has the right to visit other countries and maintain international friendships. He believes Taiwan’s democracy can serve as an example for the world.

Speaking in Taiwanese, Lai told his supporters that unity can help overcome challenges. He also stressed Taiwan’s determination to defend its freedom and peace.

The U.S. is required by law to help Taiwan defend itself, even though it doesn’t officially recognize Taiwan as a country. This often angers China, which sees U.S. arms sales as interference.

Lai’s visit to U.S. territories is especially sensitive because of their military importance. Both Hawaii and Guam are key bases for U.S. forces in the Pacific.

China has vowed to take "resolute countermeasures" against the U.S. over the arms sale and Lai’s visit. Many are watching to see if China will carry out new military drills near Taiwan.

For now, Taiwan continues to push for peace and international support. “We must stay united,” President Lai said, “because together, we can overcome any challenge.”