China Expresses 'Resolute Opposition' to US Defense Act

• Published date: 24 December 2022
• Publication title: ASEAN Tribune

24 December 2022 (Voice of America) SHANGHAI/TAIPEI - China expressed anger on Saturday at a new U.S. defense authorization law that boosts military assistance for Taiwan, while Taipei cheered it for helping boost the island's security.

China, which considers democratically governed Taiwan its own territory, expressed "strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition" regarding the U.S. National Defense Authorization Act, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

It said the $858 billion military spending measure, which authorizes up to $10 billion in security assistance and fast-tracked weapons procurement for Taiwan, contained provisions that "cause serious damage to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait."

China has never renounced using force to bring Taiwan under its control. Taiwan strongly disputes China's sovereignty claims, saying only the island's 23 million people can decide their future.

Taiwan's Defense Ministry expressed its thanks for the U.S. legislation, saying it showed the importance Washington attached to Taiwan-U.S. ties and strengthening the island's security.

Taipei will discuss the details of the act with Washington and...