BEIJING, Oct. 31 (UPI) -- China says it opposes U.S. arms sales to Taiwan in response to reports the United States wants Taiwan's parliament to quickly act on an arms purchase bill.
China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao stated his country's stand while commenting on reports the United States want Taiwan legislature to speed up approval of the $18.5 billion arms purchase bill by autumn, reports Xinhua news agency.
Liu said the United States would violate commitments made in three Sino-U.S. joint statements signed in August 1982 if it offers arms to Taiwan.
"It would jeopardize the national security and reunification of China," Liu said.
Xinhua quoted reports as saying the arms sale was proposed by Stephen Young, head of the American Institute in Taiwan.
In Taiwan, the China Post reported opposition lawmakers Monday refused to act on a defense bill dealing with the U.S. arms sales. The report said the lawmakers were upset over Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian's alleged accusation of their "collaboration" with China.
The arms sale proposal includes submarines, Patriot missiles and P-3 anti-submarine helicopters.
