China suspends arms control talks with US — FM

China has decided to suspend arms control and non-proliferation consultations with the United States over American arms sales to Taiwan, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Lin Jian said at a news briefing on Wednesday.

"For some time now, the United States has been selling arms to the Taiwan administration despite strong Chinese opposition and repeated negotiations," he said. "China has decided to suspend consultations [on arms control and non-proliferation] with the United States."

The diplomat held the American side responsible for this decision and pointed to Beijing's readiness to maintain relevant contacts with Washington that are "based on mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and mutually beneficial cooperation."

Lin Jian urged the United States to "respect China's basic interests and form the necessary conditions for a dialogue and consultation between the two countries."