China angered, Taiwan cheered new US defence act

Shutterstock

China expressed anger on Saturday at a new US defence authorisation law that boosts military assistance for Taiwan, while Taipei cheered it for helping boost the island's security.

China, which considers democratically governed Taiwan its own territory, expressed "strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition" regarding the US National Defense Authorization Act, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

It said the $858 billion (AED 3.2 trillion) military spending measure, which authorises up to $10 billion (AED 367 billion) in security assistance and fast-tracked weapons procurement for Taiwan, contained provisions that "cause serious damage to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait".

China has never renounced using force to bring Taiwan under its control. Taiwan strongly disputes China's sovereignty claims, saying only the island's 23 million people can decide their future.

Taiwan's Defence Ministry expressed its thanks for the US legislation, saying it showed the importance Washington attached to Taiwan-US ties and strengthening the island's security.

Taipei will discuss the details of the act with Washington and "gradually push forward the budget formulation and actual disbursement of the various Taiwan-friendly provisions", the ministry said without elaborating.

The United States is Taiwan's most important international backer and arms supplier, despite the absence of formal diplomatic ties. As a result, US arms sales to Taiwan constantly irritate Beijing's relations with Washington.

Taiwan's military is dwarfed by that of its neighbour China. Its air force, in particular, has come under strain from having to scramble repeatedly to see off Chinese incursions near the island over the past three years or so.

The defence law contained an amendment restricting US government purchases of products using computer chips made by a group of Chinese companies.

"The case ignores the facts to exaggerate a 'China threat', wantonly interferes in China's internal affairs and attacks and smears the Chinese Communist Party, which are serious political provocations to China," China's foreign ministry said.

More from International

Coming Up on Dubai Eye

  • Extra Time

    7:00pm - 8:00pm

    Chris & Robbie bring you the latest from the sporting world plus interviews with upcoming and legendary sporting stars.

  • The Night Shift with Mark Lloyd

    8:00pm - 11:00pm

    Musicians and music, entertainers and entertainment, industry gossip and songs selected by you, get ready to bring your night time to life! Every evening from eight, Mark Lloyd brings you an energetic mix of local and international content and contests, featuring an array of celebrity interviews and entertaining anecdotes. Get involved in the show and pick your favourite jukebox hits, every night from 8pm - 11pm.

BUSINESS BREAKFAST LATEST

On Dubai Eye

  • Flying Taxis

    It sounds like an episode of The Jetsons, but the sight of flying taxis whizzing around our cities could be much closer than you think.

  • Tough penalties for deliberate tax evasion

    The UAE has said that tougher penalties will come into force from 1st August for not keeping proper corporate tax records.