FLASH
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China's Defense Ministry has accused the United States of turning Taiwan into a "powder keg" after the recent sale of military equipment to the self-governing island totaling $440.2 million.
The US State Department has approved the sale of 30 mm ammunition and related equipment, as well as spare parts for cars to Taiwan, small arms, combat weapon systems and logistics support equipment, REL writes.
Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman Tan Kefei responded by saying that "the US ignores China's core concerns, severely interferes in China's internal affairs, and deliberately escalates tensions across the Taiwan Strait."
China claims that Taiwan is part of its territory and does not rule out the possibility of taking control of it by force.
"This is tantamount to accelerating Taiwan's transformation into a 'powder keg' and pushing the Taiwanese people into the abyss," he said in a statement published on the ministry's website.
Using force to seek independence is an effort destined to fail, he said, adding that the Chinese military is always ready to maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.
The US follows the "One China" policy, according to which Washington does not officially recognize Taiwan's independence and has no formal diplomatic relations with the island.
However, US law requires Taiwan to provide credible protection, and the US treats all threats to the island as matters of "serious concern".
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