US' armed shipments plan to Taiwan opposed

China firmly opposes plans by the United States government to offer arms assistance to Taiwan and its sending of instructors to help train the military on the island, a Defense Ministry spokesman said, adding that it has made solemn representations to the US side.

Some media reported that the US government is planning to provide Taiwan with $500 million worth of arms assistance under what's known as a Presidential Drawdown Authority. Using a drawdown will let the US sidestep the often-lengthy process of contracting and producing weapons. Additionally, the US has recently sent instructors to Taiwan to assist in training soldiers there.

"For some time now, the US has continuously strengthened its military collusion with the Democratic Progressive Party authorities in Taiwan, elevating their military ties and upgrading substantive relations, which has shaken the foundation of China-US relations and undermined peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait," spokesman Tan Kefei said on Tuesday.