China announced on Wednesday the suspension of crucial arms control and non-proliferation talks with the United States, accusing Washington of persistently supplying weapons to Taiwan.
Foreign Ministry Spokesman Lin Jian declared the decision, citing that ongoing American arms sales to Taiwan, which China views as a renegade province, had severely disrupted the political environment necessary for continued bilateral consultations.
"The responsibility for this situation lies entirely with the US," Lin asserted during a press briefing in Beijing, laying blame squarely on Washington for the breakdown in dialogue.
While expressing China's willingness to maintain communication, Lin outlined that future talks would only proceed under the condition that the US respects China's core interests and fosters conducive conditions for dialogue and exchange.
The suspension marks a setback in bilateral relations, rekindled less than a year ago post-COVID restrictions, when both nations agreed in principle on the importance of arms control talks during their first meeting in four years held in Washington last November.
Tensions over Taiwan, exacerbated by disputes over trade, the South China Sea, and technology, reportedly factored into China's decision to halt talks.
Despite Beijing's objections, successive US administrations have continued high-tech arms sales to Taiwan, most recently passing a USD 95 billion foreign aid package in April that included military supplies.
This was followed by Washington's approval of USD 300 million in tactical systems for Taiwan, actions that China views as provocative against the backdrop of its One China policy.
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