Q: The US Pentagon recently announced tentative plans to sell 12 P-3C anti-submarine aircraft, 3 non-operational aircraft and 144 SM-2 Block IIIA standard anti-aircraft missiles to Taiwan. How do you comment on that?

A: China firmly opposes the US arms sales to Taiwan. Our position on this is consistent and clear. The proposed arms sale of P-3C anti-submarine aircraft and other advanced weapons to Taiwan gravely violates the commitment of the US government in the three Sino-US Joint Communiqués, in particular the August 17 Joint Communiqués and constitutes wanton interference of China's internal affairs. The Chinese side has lodged strong protest and made solemn representation to the US.

The current situation across the Taiwan Straits is very complicated and sensitive. Chen Shui-bian beats his brain out planning activities aimed at "Taiwan independence de jure" including "the referendum on UN membership" and "joining the UN under the name of Taiwan", which pose severe threat to the peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits. We request the US strictly abide by its solemn commitment on the Taiwan question with concrete actions, immediately cancel the tentative plans of arms sales to Taiwan, stop selling weapons to Taiwan, cut off military links with Taiwan and refrain from sending any wrong signals to separatist forces advocating "Taiwan Independence". China reserves the rights of further action.