The Chinese government is protesting the latest American announcements of military sales and assistance to Taiwan, warning the United States that it is “playing with fire.”

China criticised new U.S. military aid to Taiwan on Sunday, saying the $571 million package seriously violates the "one China principle" and provisions of joint communiques between China and the U.S.

China said Sunday it "firmly opposed" US President Joe Biden's approval of $571.3 million in defence assistance for Taiwan. The White House said Friday that Biden had authorised the drawdown "of up to $571.3 million in defence articles and services of the Department of Defense, and military education and training, to provide assistance to Taiwan".

The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Sunday that the United States is "playing with fire" by providing millions in military aid to Taiwan and warned the move "will get the U.S. burned." Newsweek has reached out to the U.

China has warned the US that sending weapons to Taiwan is akin to “playing with fire” and risks severe consequences. The US recently announced $571.3m (£473m) in military assistance to the island and approved $295m in arms sales.