News - Middle East: China says the United States should halt arms sales to Taiwan since Washington is turning the island into a “powder keg.”

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning made the remarks in reference to a Taiwan-US defense industry forum held in Taipei on Wednesday, where a delegation of US arms dealers called for deeper cooperation with Taiwan.

"Lately the US and the Taiwan authorities have been stepping up military collusion," the spokesperson said. "It is further proof that the US is turning Taiwan into a 'powder keg', which only spells trouble for our Taiwan compatriots."

"US arms sales to the Taiwan region seriously violate the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiques," she said. "China firmly opposes them."

Mao warned any “external forces” meddling in Taiwanese affairs may have to pay for their actions.

"The Chinese side will take strong and resolute measures to firmly defend our sovereignty and security interests. Any external forces that interfere in China’s internal affairs and undermine peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait shall bear the consequences and pay for their erroneous acts," she said.

Beijing regards the island as part of its own territory under the 'One China' principle.

In recent months, tensions between China and the US have been rising over Washington’s growing military and political support for Taiwan.

China often conducts military drills around the island as a warning to Taiwan’s separatist forces and their collusion with the US.