China Reacts to Trump Taiwan Arms Report: ‘Red Line’

China warned the U.S. of its “first red line that cannot be crossed” after a report that President Donald Trump intends to increase arms sales to Taiwan.

The Trump Administration will lift weapons sales to Taiwan to higher levels than during his first administration, Reuters reported, citing U.S. officials, to put more military pressure on Beijing.

“The Taiwan question is at the core of China’s core interests and the first red line that cannot be crossed in China-US relations,” Lin Jian, spokesman for the Chinese foreign ministry, said at a press briefing on Friday.

“China firmly opposes the US’ arms sales to China’s Taiwan region, urges the US to abide by the One China principle, and the three China-US joint communiqués, especially the August 17 communiqué of 1982.

“Stop selling arms to Taiwan and stop creating new factors that could lead to tensions in the Taiwan Strait. China is firmly resolved in defending its national sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

This is a breaking news story. More to follow.