U.S. warned on sales to Taiwan

U.S. warned on sales to Taiwan

BEIJING (AP): China called on Thursday for the immediate cancellation of U.S. plans to sell air defense equipment to Taiwan, warning that such sales inflame already tense relations.

But at the same time, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhu Bangzao also urged Congress to grant Beijing permanent low-tariff trade rights.

U.S. President Bill Clinton submitted legislation to Congress on Wednesday to establish permanent normal trade relations with China.

Zhu said China has made "solemn representations" to Washington over the Pentagon's intention to sell 162 Hawk intercept guided missiles for US$106 million and items needed to reconfigure Taiwan's TPS-43F air surveillance radar.