JOIN USHigh-level exchanges, joint drills, and other large-scale activities will be affected “in light of the serious damage” resulting from the sale, ministry spokesman Geng Yansheng said at a news conference open to Chinese reporters only.
That follows the months-long suspension of military contacts last year following the announcement of another arms deal for Taiwan. China views such exchanges as a political bargaining chip, frustrating US officials who say they are important in building confidence and avoiding confrontations as China’s military modernizes.
It wasn’t clear whether additional retaliation would be taken. Chinese vice president and future leader Xi Jinping was expected to make an important visit to Washington in coming months but no specific dates have been announced.
China regards self-governing Taiwan, which lies 160 kilometres off the coast of the mainland, as part of its territory.