China cancels military contacts with US in protest

Beijing has cancelled a series of military and diplomatic contacts with the United States and is upset by a $6.5 billion dollar arms package the United States is sending to Taiwan. The move of the United States to sell missiles and helicopters reopens wounds on the sensitive subject of China-Taiwan relations. In a move which seemingly increases the offensive firepower of Taiwan, China-U.S. relations will undoubtedly take a hit.

Taiwan relies on the U.S. for arms and weapons. The U.S. claims the sale does not mark a change in policy towards China but China remains critical of the move and the motivations, nonetheless. Taiwan actively seeks to buy arms from the U.S. in order for protection against China, in what could amount to an invasion should Taiwan ever formalize its de facto independence.

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