China says US ‘playing with fire’

China has warned the United States of “playing with fire” after Washington announced more military aid and sales to Taiwan, reports Aljazeera.

A statement from the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday urged the US to stop its “dangerous moves that undermine peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait”.

China, which has ramped up political and military pressure on Taiwan in recent years, has repeatedly called for the US to cease sending arms and assistance to Taiwan, which Beijing claims as part of its territory.

The US does not officially recognise Taiwan diplomatically, but it is the self-ruled island’s strategic ally and largest supplier of weapons.

On Friday, the White House said the outgoing Biden administration had authorised up to $571.3m in defence assistance to Taiwan. While the White House statement did not provide details of the package, it came less than three months after a $567m aid was announced._Agencies.