TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Beijing has reacted with anger to Taiwan receiving its first F-16 fighter jet from the US.

Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang (張曉剛), spokesperson for China’s defense ministry, labeled the US sale as a “double-standard” act that broke a number of agreements between the two countries, according to a Newsweek article Thursday. He added this would not alter the military balance in the Taiwan Strait nor impede Beijing’s goal of taking Taiwan. 

At the same time, Zhang condemned US arms sales to the Philippines, accusing Washington of destabilizing the South China Sea. He urged the US to stop threatening China's sovereignty.

Taiwan received the first order of 66 F-16 fighter jets at the end of March. The US has also approved Manila's request to buy 16 F-16 fighter jets and four two-seat D models.

Taiwan’s F-16 was revealed to the public in South Carolina. Delivery of the rest is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2026. 

The F-16 sale is a key element in Taiwan’s NT$263.43 billion (US$8 billion) arms deal to modernize its air force. The advanced jets are equipped with cutting-edge radar and electronic warfare systems. 

Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense was reported as saying the upgrades to its airborne defenses were to counter “enemy threats” and safeguard national security.

In a statement to Newsweek, the US State Department was quoted as saying: “The United States stands strong with our allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific, and we continue to take decisive actions to counter threats, enhance economic resilience, and advance shared interests.”