Beijing denounces US arms sales to Taiwan

Beijing criticized US plans to sell Taiwan more than US$6 billion worth of weapons as a "crude interference" in China’s internal affairs, the Financial Times reported. The arms package, which includes Patriot air defense missiles, Apache helicopters and spare parts for F-16 fighter jets, was agreed to in 2001. But the deal was apparently stalled due to US displeasure with former Taiwan president Chen Shui-bian, who was perceived as having adopted an overly combative stance toward the mainland. Beijing did not threaten any retaliation over the arms sales but said it "reserved the right" to respond further. China has long sought to restrict Taiwan’s access to advanced weapons.