China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) warned on 19 December that it would intensify military “training and combat readiness” measures in response to Washington’s approval of an $11.1-billion arms package for Taiwan.
The PLA said it would take firm steps to defend China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, while moving to counter Taiwan independence activities and what it described as external interference.
The warning was issued in response to the planned US arms sale, which has been approved by the US State Department and is awaiting congressional authorization.
In a statement, the Chinese Defense Ministry said it had delivered “stern representations” to Washington and demanded that the US “immediately cease arms sales to Taiwan” and abide by its commitment not to support “Taiwan independence forces.”
“The ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist forces, at the cost of the safety and well-being of Taiwan compatriots, use the hard-earned money of ordinary people to fatten US arms dealers in an attempt to ‘seek independence by relying on military force,’” the Defense Ministry stated.
It warned that the US, by “repeatedly going back on its word” and “indulging and supporting Taiwan independence,” is “bound to get burned itself.”
The ministry said the PLA would move forward with increased readiness, reiterating that it “will continue to strengthen training and combat readiness, take strong measures to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and resolutely frustrate attempts at ‘Taiwan independence’ separatism and external interference.”
No further details were given on what those measures might entail.
The $11.1-billion package marks the largest US arms sale to Taiwan to date and includes High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) produced by Lockheed Martin, weapons that have seen extensive use by Ukraine against Russian forces.
Beijing immediately condemned the arms sale upon its announcement, continuing its longstanding opposition to US weapons transfers to Taiwan, which China considers part of its territory.
Washington formally recognizes Beijing while sustaining unofficial ties with Taiwan – a dual-track policy that has made the US Taiwan’s primary arms supplier, framing it as a legal obligation to support Taipei’s defense.
This arrangement is a constant source of tension between the two economic superpowers.
The sale follows a US defense bill signed by US President Donald Trump that funds expanded military cooperation with Taiwan, a move welcomed by Taipei, which rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims as China continues to leave the use of force on the table.