China Strongly Condemns Reported Delivery of US F-16 Viper Jets to Taiwan

China has reaffirmed its staunch opposition to United States arms sales to Taiwan following reports that the island received the first batch of upgraded F-16 Viper fighter aircraft. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun reiterated Beijing's firm stance against any military exchanges or defense equipment deliveries between Washington and Taipei, describing Taiwan as an inalienable domestic matter.

Addressing state media, Guo stated that Beijing resolutely opposes any actions involving weapons sales to Taiwan. He urged the United States to strictly honor the 'One China' principle, abide by the three Sino-US joint communiqués, and implement the key consensuses reached during head-of-state meetings. Emphasizing that resolving the Taiwan question is solely the business of the Chinese people, Guo warned that Beijing will not tolerate foreign interference in its internal affairs.

The diplomatic pushback follows reports that Taiwan has received two of the 66 advanced F-16 Viper fighters ordered from the United States, with plans underway to deliver the remaining 64 aircraft within the current calendar year. The delivery comes after recurring technical hurdles and supply chain delays from American defense manufacturers, primarily Lockheed Martin, which had previously drawn concern and official complaints from defense authorities in Taipei.

Once the 66 new multi-role fighters are fully integrated, Taiwan's total fleet of F-16 variants is projected to surpass 200 aircraft, marking a substantial expansion of its air defense capabilities. However, the continued execution of the multi-billion-dollar deal threatens to escalate cross-strait tensions and further strain fragile diplomatic relations between Beijing and Washington.