UPDATES WITH MORE DETAILS***
By Riyaz ul Khaliq
ISTANBUL (AA) – Angry over US arms sales to Taiwan, China on Wednesday said it has decided to suspend consultations with Washington over arms control and non-proliferation, state media reported.
“The US has ignored China's firm opposition and repeated representations, continuing to sell arms to Taiwan, and engaging in a series of negative actions that seriously harm China's core interests and undermine mutual political trust,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian told reporters in Beijing.
“These acts have severely damaged the political atmosphere necessary for the continuation of arms control consultations,” said Lin, adding Beijing has decided to suspend the consultations over arms control and non-proliferation.
Since assuming power in 2021, the Biden administration has made at least 16 arms sales to Taiwan.
Lin blamed Washington for the “current situation.”
“China is willing to maintain communication with the US on international arms control issues based on mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and cooperation for mutual benefit,” said the spokesman.
“However, the US must respect China's core interests and create the necessary conditions for dialogue and exchange between the two sides,” said Lin.
***On the latest visa restrictions imposed by the US on Chinese officials, Lin said Beijing will adopt reciprocal visa restrictions on American officials "who fabricate lies and promote sanctions against" the world's second largest economy that "harm" its interests.
***Washington last week announced it will be imposing visa restrictions on Chinese officials "due to continuing human rights violations against minority groups."
***Pointing to the US "containment and crackdown" on China's semiconductor industry, Lin urged other nations to take "firm measures against" US "coercion," and "jointly protect open and fair international trade norms, and truly secure long-term interests."