Q: It is reported that the U.S. Department of Defense recently gave approval to Lockheed Martin Corporation's sales of Patriot missiles to Taiwan, as part of the arms sales package announced on October 2008 under the Bush Administration. How do you comment?

A: The U.S. sales of advanced weapons to Taiwan seriously violates the three China-U.S. Joint Communiqués, in particular the principles enshrined in the August 17 Communiqué. It undermines China's security interests and peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits and interferes in China's internal affairs. China expresses its strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition to the sales and has made solemn representations to the U.S. side.

It must be pointed out that the Taiwan question bears upon China's sovereignty and territorial integrity. It remains to be the most important and sensitive issue in China-U.S. relations. We strongly urge the U.S. side to fully realize the gravity of arms sales to Taiwan, abandon the Cold War mentality, strictly abide by the three China-U.S. Joint Communiqués, especially the principles established in the August 17 Communiqué. It should strictly honor its commitments to respecting China's core interests and major concerns, and correct its erroneous practice by putting an end to its arms sales to Taiwan so as not to undermine the overall interest of China-U.S. cooperation. We also urge the relevant companies to stop pushing for and participating in arms sales to Taiwan, and refrain from doing things that will undermine China's sovereignty and security interests.