China firmly opposes U.S. weapons sale to Taiwan

China firmly opposes the United States selling arms to Taiwan and urged the country to stop any weapons deal with Taiwan, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said Friday.

Lu told a daily press briefing that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China, and the United States selling weapons to Taiwan violates international law, the basic norms of international relations, and the principles of the three joint communiques between the two countries, harming China's sovereignty and security interests.

He said that the Chinese government and people are determined to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and oppose to outside interference.

Media reported the U.S. State Department Thursday approved an arms sale to Taiwan worth about 1.4 billion U.S. dollars, the first such deal with Taiwan since U.S. President Donald Trump took office.

Lu said China strongly urged the United States to honor its commitments and stop any weapons deal with Taiwan so as to avoid further damage to relations between China and the United States.

Also on Thursday, media reported the U.S. Treasury Department imposed sanctions on a Chinese bank accused of having dealings with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).

Lu said China opposes any unilateral sanctions outside the framework of the UN Security Council, and has fully implemented the UN Security Council resolutions on the DPRK.

If Chinese enterprises or individuals undertake any actions against UN Security Council resolutions, China will investigate and deal with them based on domestic laws and regulations, Lu said.

"We strongly urge the United States to cease incorrect actions, in order to avoid affecting bilateral cooperation," he said.