"China's position is clear-cut," foreign ministry spokesman Kong Quan told a regular briefing. "China is strongly opposed to US arms sales to Taiwan.

"This is not in line with the commitment made by many US administrations," he said. "We hope the United States will honor its commitments and not send the wrong signals to Taiwan."

Taiwan has announced an 18-billion-dollar weapon procurement program aimed at boosting its defenses against a possible Chinese attack.

China and Taiwan have been split since the end of a civil war in 1949. But Beijing considers the island part of its territory awaiting reunification, by force if necessary.

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