China Threatens Sanctions over U.S. $8 Billion Sale of F-16 Fighter Jets to Taiwan

Aug. 21, 2019 (EIRNS)—Yesterday, the Trump Administration confirmed the $8 billion sale of 66 F-16 fighter aircraft to Taiwan. Both the State Department and the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, an arm of the Defense Department, delivered formal notification to Congress. The State Department added, of course, that the sale in no way changes the U.S. adherence to the “One China” policy.

China’s response was immediate, including the threat of imposing sanctions involved in the deal—an unusually harsh response.

In today’s press briefing, Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang stated that,

“We demand from the United States [that it] adhere to joint agreements and immediately cancel the supply plan. Otherwise, Washington will have to answer for all the consequences. China will take all possible measures to protect its own interests, including sanctions against U.S. companies that will participate in these arms transfers to Taipei.”