China accuses US of turning Taiwan into a powder keg with its latest sales to self-governing island
China's Defense Ministry is accusing the United States of turning of Taiwan into a powder keg with its latest sales of military equipment to the self-governing island democracy BEIJING -- China’s Defense Ministry accused the United States of turning Taiwan into a powder keg Wednesday with its latest sales of military equipment to the self-governing island democracy worth a total of $440.2 million. The U.S. State Department approved of the sale of 30 mm ammunition and related equipment, along with spare parts for Taiwan’s vehicles, small arms, combat weapon systems, and logistical support items. Defense Ministry spokesperson Col. Tan Kefei responded that “the U.S. ignores China’s core concerns, crudely interferes in China’s internal affairs, and deliberately escalates tensions across the Taiwan Strait." China claims Taiwan as its own territory to be conquered by force if necessary and Tan said "stern representations” had been lodged with the U.S. “This is tantamount to acc...