Dangerous Shift in Sino-US Relations: China Severs Diplomatic, Military Ties With US Over Taiwan Missile Deal

Enraged by the USD 6.5 billion American arms sales package to Taiwan, China today cancelled its planned military and diplomatic contacts with the United States, accusing the Bush administration of "poisoning" the atmosphere which led to the latest stand-off.
"The US side's act has seriously blocked bilateral exchanges and contacts in various fields, including high-level visits between the two armed forces. The US side should take full responsibility for the current situation of damaged military-to-military ties," Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said in a statement.
Condemning the planned sale of weapons to Taiwan, an island which China claims is a rebel province, Qin said the American side should take full responsibility for the damage of ties between the two countries and their respective armed forces.

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