China Furious Over U.S.'s Plan To Sell $6.5 Billion Worth Advanced Weaponry To Taiwan

October 4, 2008 8:37 p.m. EST

Taipei, Taiwan (AHN) - China has expressed concern on the decision by the U.S. government to sell Taiwan around $6.5 billion worth advanced weaponry, according to the state news agency.

China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao said in a statement on Saturday that the move by Washington would jeopardize relation between the Sino-U.S. relations, Xinhua reported.

"It is only natural that this move would stir up strong indignation of the Chinese government and people," he was quoted saying by the news agency.

"We sternly warn the United States that there is only one China in the world, and that Taiwan is a part of China," Liu added.

Taiwan's president on Saturday welcomed the arms deal proposed by the U.S. that will include advanced weaponry such as 330 missiles and Patriot III anti-missile system; E-2T airborne early warning aircraft upgrade system; 30 Apache helicopters; and other equipments.

The U.S. Department of Defense on Friday provided details on the plan and it has notified Congress about the sale, which could be blocked by the lawmakers within 30 days' period.

A $12 billion package was initially approved by the Bush administration in 2001 but the delivery was stopped amid discussions among Taiwan's policymakers.

Taiwan is no longer part of China during civil war in 1949, but China has continued to gain control over the region. China considers the latest move by the U.S. to threaten its national security and the stability across the Taiwan Strait.