A leading Chinese Newspaper has penned a strongly worded editorial condemning the United States’ latest move to advance a massive arms sales package to Taiwan, describing it as a dangerous escalation that undermines the very foundations of China–US relations.
In the editorial, The China Daily notes that the reported US$11 billion arms package, one of the largest ever proposed for the Chinese island, lays bare Washington’s “reckless disregard” for the one-China principle and the political commitments that underpin bilateral ties between Beijing and Washington.
Quoting China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun, the editorial recalls his description of the move as “a dangerous act,” stressing that China firmly opposes and strongly condemns the sale of weapons to what it terms the secessionist-minded authorities led by Lai Ching-te.
According to China Daily, by proceeding with arms sales to Taiwan, the US administration is grossly violating the one-China principle and the three China–US joint communiques—solemn commitments that form the bedrock of China–US relations.
The editorial argues that such actions infringe upon China’s sovereignty, security and territorial integrity, while simultaneously eroding mutual trust and destabilizing both cross-Strait relations and the wider region.
The commentary warns that arming Taiwan sends a dangerous signal to “Taiwan independence” separatist forces, emboldening them to pursue an agenda that runs counter to peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.
It echoes Guo’s assertion that these forces seek “independence” through military build up, squandering public resources on weapons while gambling recklessly with the island’s future.
“Turning Taiwan into a heavily armed outpost does not make it safer,” the editorial cautions, adding that such moves risk transforming the island into a powder keg rather than a guarantor of security.
China Daily further argues that weapons sales cannot alter the fundamental trajectory of the Taiwan question.
Efforts to resist reunification through force, it says, will not prevent the failure of “Taiwan independence,” but will instead accelerate confrontation and heighten the risk of military conflict.
Those on the island who place their faith in external protection, the editorial warns, should recognize the cost of being used as pawns in a broader geopolitical contest.
The paper also criticises Washington’s strategic calculus, saying that emboldening Democratic Progressive Party separatist forces through arms sales is bound to backfire. Using Taiwan as a tool to contain China, it argues, is a strategic dead end that will ultimately harm US interests by undermining regional peace and stability.
Reiterating Beijing’s long-held stance, the editorial underscores that the Taiwan question lies at the core of China’s core interests and represents the first red line that must not be crossed in China–US relations.
It warns against underestimating the resolve and capability of the Chinese government and people to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
In its remarks, China Daily urges the US to honour the one-China principle, abide by the three China–US joint communiques, and act on the commitments made during head-of-state engagements.
The immediate cessation of arms sales to Taiwan, the editorial concludes, is not only a matter of principle but a necessary step to prevent further escalation, placing the responsibility for de-escalation squarely on Washington.
