China Demands US Halt Taiwan Arms Sales and Economic Pressure

China’s top diplomat, Wang Yi, has called on the United States to halt arms sales to Taiwan and end its economic pressure on China. During a meeting with Jake Sullivan, US National Security Advisor, Wang stated that Taiwan belongs to China and that the island’s independence poses the greatest risk to peace in the Taiwan Strait. He demanded the US uphold its commitment not to support Taiwanese independence. Sullivan, in response, reiterated that the US does not support Taiwan’s independence and emphasized the need for peaceful coexistence between the two countries. Wang also criticized the US for using concepts like national security and overcapacity as excuses for protectionist measures against China. He called for an end to US suppression of China in areas like the economy, trade, and technology. The US and China have seen tense relations in recent years due to trade disputes, China’s expansion in the South China Sea, and the Taiwan issue. This meeting comes amidst escalating tensions in the region, with Japan accusing China of a serious violation of its sovereignty after a Chinese aircraft entered its airspace, and the Philippines accusing Beijing of disrupting regional peace.