China cancels US contacts over Taiwan arms sale
7 October 2008
China canceled a series of military and diplomatic contacts with the US after American officials announced on Friday a US$6.5 billion arms sale to Taiwan, AP reported. Cancellations include a visit to the US by a senior Chinese general, port calls by naval vessels, cooperation on meetings regarding weapons of mass destruction, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. The arms sale, which includes missiles and attack helicopters, will proceed if US lawmakers do not voice objections within 30 days. Earlier, China said it "reserved the right" to respond further to the sale.