China: We Have Suspended Consultations with the US on Arms Control

China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Lin Jian, announced that Beijing has decided to suspend consultations with Washington regarding arms control due to the United States selling weapons to the administration of Taiwan. Lin Jian stated during a press briefing: "The United States has continued to sell arms to Taiwan for some time, despite China's strong opposition and repeated negotiations. China has decided to suspend arms control and non-proliferation consultations with the United States." Lin Jian held the US side responsible for the situation, emphasizing Beijing's readiness to maintain appropriate communications with Washington "on the basis of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and mutually beneficial cooperation." He also urged the United States to "respect China's core interests and create the necessary conditions for dialogue and consultations between the two sides." According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, the total US military supplies to the island exceeded $70 billion over several years. China had previously urged the US in March to stop what it described as "microphone diplomacy" regarding arms control issues, commenting on the US proposal for bilateral talks on arms control with China and Russia. Earlier, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated that the military aid provided by Washington to Taiwan represents a direct interference in Beijing's internal affairs and will undermine security in the region.