China rejects US praise, arms sales to Taiwan

China on Wednesday criticised US defense secretary Leon Panetta for praising Beijing's measured reaction to the latest US arms sales to Taiwan, repaying his compliment by saying the deal was "unprofessional".

Past US arms sales to Taiwan have prompted Beijing to temporarily cut-off ties with the US military, as happened after last year's $6.4 billion arms package. China deems the self-ruled island an illegitimate breakaway from Beijing's rule that must accept eventual reunification.

But last month's US announcement of a $5.85 billion arms package for Taiwan, including upgrades to F-16 AB fighter aircraft, has been different, with China handling it in a "professional and diplomatic way", Panetta said.

Chinese Defence Ministry spokesperson Yang Yujun begged to differ.

"Frankly, if I may borrow Mr Panetta's words, I think the way the United States handles certain issues in Sino-US relations is neither professional nor diplomatic," he told a news briefing in Beijing.

The United States had not abided by promises to reduce and ultimately stop arms sales to Taiwan, once more damaging China's core interests, Yang said, according to a transcript posted on the ministry's website (www.mod.gov.cn).

"An important precondition for the stable development of Sino-US military relations is the respect and consideration shown towards each other's core interests and important areas of concern," he said.