Arms sale fires up tension

Beijing has opposed in the strongest terms the US administration's decision on Wednesday to sell arms to Taiwan.

Chinese Deputy Foreign Minister Zheng Zeguang summoned Kaye Lee, charge d'affaires of the US embassy in China, and lodged solemn protests with the United States.

The US decision, which goes against the commitments the United States has made in three joint communiqu��s with China, is a blatant provocation and a serious violation of China's sovereignty and security interests. Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory, which has been widely recognized by members of the international community, including the US.