China objects as US approves military aid to Taiwan under program aimed at sovereign nations

By MATTHEW LEE
AP Diplomatic Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) — China has lashed out at the United States, saying a U.S. military transfer to Taiwan is a violation of U.S. commitments under its “one-China” policy. The statement comes after the Biden administration approved the first-ever U.S. military transfer to Taiwan under a program generally reserved for assistance to sovereign, independent states. China says the package violates agreements in which Washington pledged not to support Taiwanese independence. Beijing regards Taiwan as a renegade province and has repeatedly declined to rule out the use of force to reunite it with the mainland. Previous arms sales to Taiwan have been approved under other authorities that do not necessarily imply statehood.