By Martin Banks - 1st February 2010
The Americans have had obligations towards Taiwan which is where this all comes from
Catherine Ashton
Europe's foreign affairs chief Catherine Ashton has said the EU will not be drawn into a growing row between China and the United States over the latter selling arms to Taiwan.
Ashton told the British Sky News network on Monday that it was not a matter for Europe.
''For us, it's about our [EU] relations with countries across the world. And what America does is what America does,'' she said.
"For our part in the EU we have to make our decisions about what we do. We have to determine our own relationships.
''The Americans have had obligations towards Taiwan which is where this all comes from."
Her comments come after China denounced the €4.7bn arms package, saying it hurts China's national security and its ''great task of reunification'' with Taiwan.
Beijing, which considers Taiwan a breakaway province, has suspended China-US military exchanges and said it would impose unspecified sanctions on any companies involved in the deal.
China has said it intends to bring Taiwan under its rule, by force if necessary.
Taiwan says it needs US arms to update its military to defend itself against any aggression from its neighbour.
A Taiwan foreign affairs ministry official said the sale comes at a time when China continues to strengthen its military deployment aimed at the island.
Apart from helping Taiwan bolster its confidence in the US, the arms package should also help Taiwan proceed with its efforts in advancing cross-strait peace, which has made some initial gains.
Have your say...
Please enter your comments below.