On December 25, China’s defence ministry blasted President Trump’s FY2026 defence‑spending bill that backs Taiwan, calling it a reckless interference that could spark war across the Taiwan Strait.
China Warns U.S. Over Taiwan
On Thursday, 25 Dec, Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for China’s Ministry of National Defence, addressed the press and criticised Donald Trump for signing the FY2026 National Defence Authorization Act, which earmarks defence aid for Taiwan. He said the move was an egregious intrusion into China’s internal affairs and would signal support for Taiwan’s separatist movements, threatening peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.
He warned that arming Taiwan could accelerate “dangerous military tensions” on the other side of the Strait, potentially leading to conflict.
China Calls on U.S. to Observe the ‘One China’ Principle
Zhang urged Washington to observe the ‘One China’ principle scrupulously, treat Taiwan‑related matters with utmost caution, and cease all forms of Taiwanese armaments. He stated China demands the U.S. stop any “admission of a separate Taiwan” and to respect China’s sovereignty.
Arms Package Heightens Tension
The United States and Taiwan have announced an 11‑billion‑dollar arms package that includes HIMARS rocket systems, anti‑tank missiles, kamikaze drones, howitzers and military software. China argues that such sales threaten cross‑strait security and may lead to armed conflict.
Taiwan’s Strategic Value to the U.S.
China’s claim that the democratic Taiwan is not sovereign is based on Beijing’s stance that it demands full control of the territory and that force remains an option to achieve this goal. However, the U.S. maintains a strategic partnership with Taiwan, citing its geographic location, technological advance and symbolic importance; China considers it a key factor in the broader U.S.–China rivalry.
