On Saturday, US President Joe Biden greenlit up to $571 million in Defense Department material, services, and military education and training for self-governing Taiwan, which Beijing regards as its own and insists must be brought under its rule.

A Chinese Foreign Ministry statement urged the U.S. to stop arming Taiwan and stop what it called “dangerous moves that undermine peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.” U.S. military sales and assistance aim to help Taiwan defend itself and deter China from launching an attack.

China criticised new U.S. military aid to Taiwan on Sunday, saying the $571 million package seriously violates the "one China principle" and provisions of joint communiques between China and the U.S.

China has warned the US that sending weapons to Taiwan is akin to “playing with fire” and risks severe consequences. The US recently announced $571.3m (£473m) in military assistance to the island and approved $295m in arms sales.

President Biden authorized an additional $571 million in funding to Taiwan for military aid, prompting China to send a staunch warning to the U.S. to stop arming Taiwan.