BEIJING – China's Ministry of National Defense on Monday condemned US arms sales to the Taiwan region, reiterating that the Taiwan question is the first red line that must not be crossed in Sino-US relations.

Ministry spokesperson Wu Qian made the remarks in response to a media query about the recent US announcements of military assistance and arms sales to the Taiwan region.

READ MORE: China warns US over military aid to Taiwan region

The White House on Dec 21 announced military assistance worth $571.3 million to Taiwan. The US Department of Defense announced on the same day that the State Department has approved $295 million worth of arms sales to the island.

These arms sales to Taiwan have severely violated the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiques, which are the political foundations of China-US relations, said Wu.

He criticized the United States for violating its political commitment of not supporting "Taiwan independence" and for pushing Taiwan toward the danger of war.

ALSO READ: US military companies sanctioned for arms sales to Taiwan

"We urged the US side to cease providing military assistance and arms sales to Taiwan immediately, and to cut its military ties with the region," he said.