China on Friday lodged a protest with U.S over its decision to approve the sale of two surplus U.S. Navy frigates to Taiwan for $190 million. The decision is subject to U.S. congressional approval. However, it comes amid rising tension between Beijing and Washington in the South China Sea.

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"The Chinese side has launched representations with the U.S. State Department demanding the U.S. side give a full account", Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said during a news briefing. "The U.S. has said that right now it has no plans to sell weapons to Taiwan and has not issued any statements. China's position on U.S. arms sales to Taiwan is consistent, clear, and firm." 

The U.S. State Department has defended the proposed sale of arms to Taiwan. The State Department said in a official statement that "The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region"

In the past, U.S arm sales to Taiwan has also invited strong criticism from Beijing. But it has never adversely affected the diplomatic relationship between the two countries.

The United States has been exporting arms to Taiwan since the enactment of the Taiwan Relations Act in 1978. Under this special act, the U.S. can not only export arms, but also militarily intervene if China invades Taiwan.

The latest arms deal comes amid soaring tension in South China Sea, with Taiwan, Japan and other countries accusing Beijing of deploying missiles and fighter jets to the disputed territory.

While competing claims over South China Sea is a contentious issue between China and Taiwan, the acrimony between both nations goes beyond this disputed territory.     

A large part of the hostility between China and Taiwan centers around Taiwan's claim to being an independent nation - a claim that it has been staking since seceding from China following the Chinese civil war in 1949.  However, Beijing considers Taiwan as a wayward province that is waiting for unification.

China's President Xi Jinping on Saturday warned that Beijing will firmly contain 'secessionist activities' of any form in Taiwan. Xi's latest statement is believed to be targeted at Taiwan's newly elected President Tsai Ing-wen, who is widely hailed as a pro independent leader.           

TagsTaiwan, china, China and Taiwan, South China Sea, US and Taiwan, US and China