China urges U.S. to cancel missile sale to Taiwan

BEIJING, March 2 (Reuters) China called on the United States today to cancel a missile sale to Taiwan, saying such weapons deals violated Washington's avowed one-China policy and created instability in the Taiwan Strait.

The US Defense Department told Congress this week it had approved the possible sale of up to 421 million dollars in missiles built by Raytheon Co to Taiwan for use on its F-16 fighter jets.

''The Chinese side expresses its strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition and has already made solemn representations to the US side,'' Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said in a statement on the ministry's Web site.

Beijing claims sovereignty over self-ruled Taiwan, and has said it would use force if the island moved towards formal independence.

Washington recognises China and has no diplomatic ties with Taiwan, but is obliged under the Taiwan Relations Act to help the island defend itself in the event of attack.

Qin said the missile sale was an interference in China's internal affairs and a violation of Washington's commitment to recognise Beijing as the only legitimate Chinese government.

The United States should ''immediately cancel the relevant sale of arms to the Taiwan military and stop weapons sales to Taiwan and US-Taiwan military contact'', he said.

Washington should not encourage Taiwan independence and should ''avoid further harming peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and China-US relations'', Qin said.

REUTERS SP ND1654