China Warns France To Cancel Its Arms Sales To Taiwan

Taiwan’s French-built La Fayette frigates are to receive an upgrade. Photo: Handout

SCMP: Beijing urges France to cancel contract to sell arms to Taiwan

* Chinese foreign ministry warns of damage to bilateral relations
* Deal includes upgrade of French-made weapons sold to the island in 1991 against Beijing’s wishes

China has called on France to cancel a weapons contract with Taiwan, warning that the deal with the self-ruled island could harm diplomatic relations between Beijing and Paris.

“We stand against foreign arms sales to Taiwan or having military and security exchanges with the island, and this stance is consistent and clear,” Zhao Lijian, a spokesman for the Chinese foreign ministry, said.

“China has expressed grave concerns to France. We once again urge France to abide by the one-China principle, cancel its plan to sell arms to Taiwan, and avoid damaging Sino-French relations.”

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WNU Editor: The French are telling the Chinese to take a hike .... Focus on Covid-19, France tells China after Taiwan arms deal threat (France 24). More here .... Focus on COVID-19 battle, France tells China after Taiwan warning (Reuters).

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