China criticizes expected US arms sale to Taiwan

Obama administration is planning its first arms sale to Taiwan in four years.

Beijing

: China has strongly criticized an expected US arms sale to Taiwan, saying it should be canceled to avoid harming relations between Taipei and Beijing.

Taiwan Affairs Office spokesman Ma Xiaoguang told reporters today that China opposed any and all arms sales to the island that it claims as part of Chinese territory.

Ma said Taiwan should value relations between the sides, which have been improving steadily over recent years, culminating last month in the first meeting between their presidents since they split amid civil war in 1949.

US congressional aides say the Obama administration is planning its first arms sale to Taiwan in four years, including navy frigates, mine sweepers, Stinger missiles and other equipment. The US has long been the primary supplier to the island's armed forces.