China urges US to cease arms sales to Taiwan? region

China urged the United States on Friday to cease arms sales to the Taiwan? region and refrain from ?creating factors of tension? in the Taiwan Strait after it was reported that Washington will accelerate arms sales to the island as part of an effort to deter China.

"The Taiwan question represents the ?core of China's core interests? and constitutes the ?first and foremost red line? that must not be crossed in China-US relations," Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said on Friday at daily news briefing.

"China ?resolutely opposes? US arms sales to the ?Taiwan region," Lin said, urging the US to strictly abide by the ?one-China principle? and the ?three China-US joint communiques?, particularly the ?August 17th Communique?.

China's resolve to ?safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity? remains ?unwavering?, Lin added.