Beijing signals military cooperation with Washington amid Taiwan dispute

China said it is willing to cooperate with the United States in the military sphere but reiterated its firm opposition to U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, according to a spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Washington.

Liu Chang made the remarks in response to a report that Elbridge Colby, the U.S. undersecretary of defence for policy and a proponent of arms sales to Taiwan, has been unable to secure an invitation from Beijing to visit China to advance bilateral military ties.

“Sustainable development of China-U.S. military relations serves the common interests of both sides and meets the expectations of the international community. China is ready to cooperate with the United States to sincerely implement the important consensus reached between the presidents of the two countries, respect each other’s core interests and major concerns, strengthen interaction and dialogue, properly manage differences, enhance mutual trust and dispel suspicions, and promote the steady and continuous development of military relations along a stable and positive trajectory, so as to play a constructive role in building a brighter future for China-U.S. relations and in maintaining peace and stability around the world,” Liu told in a response to a TASS inquiry.

“At the same time, I would like to emphasise that China’s position of firmly opposing U.S. arms sales to Taiwan is consistent and clear,” he added.

The comments follow a major U.S. arms deal with Taiwan approved in December 2025, valued at $11 billion — the largest such package to date. Colby was involved in shaping the agreement.

By Tamilla Hasanova