The remarks in a statement from Beijing’s Foreign Ministry came after the White House announced $571.3 million in military aid to Taiwan on Friday, along with another $295 million in potential arms sales approved by the State Department.

“The decision is a serious violation of the US leadership’s commitment not to support ‘Taiwan independence’ and sends a completely wrong signal to the separatist forces of ‘Taiwan independence’,” the ministry said.

“China deeply regrets this, resolutely rejects it and immediately lodged serious protests with the US.”

The ministry also called on the United States to “immediately stop arming Taiwan and stop dangerous steps that undermine cross-strait peace and stability,” while pledging to “firmly defend national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity.” “.

Beijing views Taiwan as part of China, which must be reunified by force if necessary. The United States, like most countries, does not recognize the self-governing island as an independent state, but rejects any attempt to take it by force and is required by law to arm it for defense purposes.