US military ties facing obstacles

Continued arms sales to Taiwan and trying to contain China unreasonable

China-US military engagement is "not in a state of suspension", instead, the current bilateral military ties are facing many obstacles, which are entirely caused by the US, China's Defense Ministry said on Thursday.

Ministry spokesman Wu Qian made the remarks at a news conference in response to a question on China-US military exchanges, adding that both sides have maintained "candid and effective" communication through military diplomacy channels.

"However, the Sino-US military relationship is now indeed facing many difficulties, and the situation is entirely caused by the US side," he said.

For some time, the US has been unreasonably attempting to contain China and grossly interfering in China's internal affairs by selling arms to Taiwan, said Wu, criticizing the US military for sending naval and air troops into China's vicinity to conduct provocative and deterrent military operations.

"Moreover, the US refused to lift unfair sanctions on our Central Military Commission leader," he said. "Under such circumstances, the Chinese military has every right to take resolute countermeasures."

Dialogue and communication can't be carried out without principles and bottom lines, he stressed. "The US side expects to harm China's national interests while carrying out exchanges with the Chinese military as if nothing had happened. That is completely delusional."

China requires the US to show real sincerity and take concrete measures to create conditions to get China-US military ties back on the right track, said the spokesman.

Wu also slammed the US' latest approval of military transfers to Taiwan island, saying that would only harm the well-being of the people on the island.

According to a US media report, the Biden administration has approved its first-ever military transfer worth up to80 million to Taiwan under the so-called foreign military financing program.

The defense spokesman said that, no matter if it is military aid or arms sales to Taiwan, China has always strongly opposed them.

"What should be emphasized is that Taiwan's security relies on the joint efforts of compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait under the one-China principle, absolutely not on military aid or arms sales from the US," he said.

Wu stressed that US military aid and arms sales to Taiwan only benefit the military-industrial complex in the US, while harming the security and well-being of Taiwan compatriots.

"In response, the People's Liberation Army will take all necessary measures to firmly counteract it," he warned.