China's DM urges U.S. to cancel arms sale to Taiwan

China's Defense Minister Liang Guanglie

(R) shakes hands with visiting Richard Myers, former chairman of the U.S.

Joint Chiefs of Staff, during their meet in Beijing, on Dec. 8, 2008.

(Chinese media Photo)
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BEIJING, Dec. 8 (Chinese media) -- China's Defense Minister

Liang Guanglie Monday urged the United States to immediately cancel its planned

weapons sale to Taiwan, and cease all military ties with Taiwan.

U.S. Arms sale to Taiwan has poisoned the sound

atmosphere of bilateral military relations and endangered China's national

security, Liang told Richard Myers, former chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of

Staff, who is in Beijing for a visit.

The U.S. government notified the Congress on Oct. 3

about its plan to sell arms to Taiwan, including Patriot III anti-missile

systems, the E-2T airborne early warning aircraft upgrade system, parts for F-16

aircraft, and Apache helicopters.

Liang, also a state councilor, said Sino-U.S.

relationship is one of the most important bilateral ties in the world, and that

China is ready to work with the United States on a stable and healthy

relationship.

He urged the United States to take solid actions to

show its adherence to the one-China policy, observe the three China-U.S. joint

communiqués, abide by its commitment to China on the Taiwan issue, and cooperate

with China to safeguard peace and stability in the Taiwan Straits as well as

common strategic interests of both countries.

Myers, who retired in 2005, expressed regret over the

impact of U.S. arms sale to Taiwan on bilateral military ties. He said the

United States hopes to develop a smooth military relationship with

China.