Ahead of the US-China summit, China's Ministry of National Defense has repeatedly emphasized to the US that the Taiwan issue must be handled with caution.

During a regular press briefing on September 24, Ministry Spokesperson Zhang Bin addressed questions regarding US arms sales to Taiwan, stating, "The Taiwan issue is the most important matter in China-US relations."

"Maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is the greatest common denominator for both China and the US," Zhang said, adding, "We hope the US will handle the Taiwan issue with extreme caution."

Reiterating Beijing's existing stance, Zhang stated, "Peaceful reunification and 'one country, two systems' are our basic principles for resolving the Taiwan issue and the best way to achieve reunification."

He further claimed, "Reunification can root out the hidden danger and source of chaos that is Taiwan independence, eliminate the risk of war in the Taiwan Strait, and provide a strong pillar for the safety of Taiwan residents and the prosperity of Taiwan's society."

Regarding the impact of the US-China summit on bilateral military relations, he stated, "China is willing to work with the US to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of both countries regarding the military sector, strengthen communication and dialogue, and foster practical cooperation."

"We hope to properly manage and control differences, maintain the stable, healthy, and sustainable development of military relations between the two countries, and play an active role in building a constructive and strategic relationship of stability between China and the US," Zhang added.

(Photo provided by China's Ministry of National Defense, Yonhap News)