Beijing on Monday urged Washington to immediately cease arming the Taiwan region in all forms and reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to defending national sovereignty and territorial integrity after the United States approved $567 million in defense support for the island, the latest move to boost its military capabilities.

"The US once again providing weaponry to the Taiwan region seriously violates the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiques, especially the August 17 Communique in 1982," Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian told a daily news briefing.

Lin said the move, in essence, is to "support and embolden" the Democratic Progressive Party authorities in pursuit of "Taiwan independence" and their provocation against the one-China principle.

"Such a move once again proves that the greatest threat to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and the greatest disruption to the current situation in the Taiwan Strait are the separatist activities of the 'Taiwan independence' forces and the connivance and support they receive from external forces led by the US," Lin said.

He cautioned that the "Taiwan independence" is a dead end, and the US' persistent backing of this so-called independence through military means will ultimately backfire.

Regardless of the number of arms the US supplies to the Taiwan region, China's resolute opposition to "Taiwan independence" will remain unwavering, Lin said, urging Washington to faithfully adhere to the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiques.

In another development, Lin said China will implement a visa-free policy for citizens from Portugal, Greece, Cyprus and Slovenia to further facilitate personnel exchanges between China and foreign countries.

According to the spokesman, starting from Oct 15, 2024, to Dec 31,2025, holders of ordinary passports from the four European countries will be eligible for a visa exemption policy when traveling to China for purposes such as business, tourism, visiting relatives, or transit for up to 15 days. Meanwhile, China urges relevant countries to provide more visa facilitation for Chinese nationals, he added.

zhaojia@chinadaily.com.cn