China vows ‘counter-measures’ after $2bn US arms sale to Taiwan
The IndependentFor free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. The arms sale, which includes advanced missile systems intended to bolster Taiwan’s air defences, has prompted Beijing to warn of further military action as it intensifies its own presence around the island. open image in gallery US and Canadian navy ships conduct operations in the Taiwan Strait Taiwan’s defence ministry expressed confidence that the Nasams would enhance its ability to protect itself against Chinese military manoeuvres. open image in gallery Taiwan’s president Lai Ching-te at a military base in Taoyuan Taiwan’s defence ministry reported on Sunday that 19 Chinese military aircraft, including Su-30 fighter jets, and several warships conducted a “combat patrol” encircling the island. The Chinese defence ministry did not provide details on the nature of the counter-measures it intends to take but reiterated that Beijing “strongly condemns and firmly opposes” the arms sale, which it claims undermines China’s security and damages US-China relations.