CHINA has demanded the US stop arms sales to Taiwan and end military contacts with the island to avoid further damage in the deteriorating relations between the two countries.

National Defence Ministry spokesman Wu Qian hit out after the US approved $180 million (£148m) sales to Taiwan that he said seriously violated the one-China principle and “rudely interfered in the domestic affairs of China.”

He stressed Beijing’s “strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition” to the arms sales.