China says US ‘playing with fire’ after latest military aid to Taiwan

BEIJING (AP) – The Chinese government protested Sunday against recent U.S. military sales and aid announcements Taiwanthat warns the US that it is “playing with fire.”

US President Joe Biden on Saturday approved the delivery of up to $571 million in Defense Department material and services and in military education and training to self-ruled Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its territory and says must come under its control. Separately, the Defense Department said Friday that $295 million in military sales had been approved.

A statement from the Chinese Foreign Ministry called on the United States to stop arming Taiwan and stop what it called “dangerous moves that undermine peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.”

US military sales and aid aims to help Taiwan defend itself and deter China from launching an attack.

The $571 million in military aid comes on top of Biden’s authorization of $567 million for the same purpose at the end of September. The military sales include $265 million for about 300 tactical radio systems and $30 million for 16 gun mounts.

Taiwan’s foreign minister welcomed the approval of the two sales, saying in a statement on X that it reaffirmed the US government’s “commitment to our defense.”

In October, the US approved $2 billion in arms sales to Taiwan, including the first delivery of an advanced surface-to-air missile defense system, which also drew criticism from China, while Beijing has responded with military exercises around Taiwan.

Taiwan earlier this month demanded that China quit its ongoing military activity in nearby waters, which it said undermined peace and stability and disrupted international shipping and trade.

US President Donald Trump has said he will not commit to defending Taiwan if China were to invade during his presidency.

Trump has also said that Taiwan should pay the US to defend it against Chinawhich compares the relationship to insurance. Taiwan spends about 2.5% of its GDP on defense.