BEIJING: China has raised solemn representations to the United States government and urged it to cancel and cease arms sales to Taiwan, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu said Tuesday.

Jiang made the remarks at a regular news briefing in response to a question on China-US relations in 2010. The Obama administration is reportedly expected to approve the sale of arms to Taiwan early this year and President Barack Obama is also preparing to meet the Dalai Lama.

China firmly opposed arms sales to Taiwan by the US and urged the US to cancel planned arms sales to avoid undermining China-US cooperation, Jiang said.

"We urge the US to clearly recognize the severe consequences of arms sales to Taiwan and adhere to the three Sino-US joint communiques, especially the principles established in the Joint Communique on?August 17, 1982," Jiang said.

China stood firmly against any foreign leader's contact with the Dalai Lama in any form and in any name, Jiang said.

"China and the US share broad mutual interests on major issues relating to human peace and development. Both sides shall deal with bilateral relations from a strategic and long-term perspective by respecting each other's core interests and major concerns, strengthening dialogue and cooperation and properly handling disagreements," Jiang said.

She also said both sides should more resolutely oppose trade protectionism to maintain healthy development of China-US economic and trade relations.