We told the Chinese that our decision reflects the defensive needs of Taiwan that is in keeping with our obligations under the Taiwan Relations Act and the three communiqu s between thee United States and China, and that we continue to stand firmly for peaceful resolution of differences between the PRC and Taiwan. And we did make the point, I believe in both capitals, that China's own actions have an impact on the situation in the Strait, and we urge that China take sensible steps to reduce tensions. As the President has indicated again today, and the Secretary on many occasions, we seek a constructive relationship with China. And as the President has said, both the United States and China must make a determined choice to have a productive relationship that will contribute to a more secure, more prosperous and more peaceful world. The Foreign Ministry made a special point of arms control, that this would have a negative effect on arms control.
Arms control covers a lot of things.
I think you would have to ask the Chinese, who made those remarks, for details or what they may mean by that. We have been very clear, as we have been every year in terms of the arms sales that we make, the arms that we make available to Taiwan, should they choose to purchase those things, under our legal obligations under the Taiwan Relations Act. That has been the case obviously for a long time. And I think we have made very clear here and in what I just said a moment ago that we seek peaceful resolution of cross-Strait issues, but we are meeting our obligations under that Act. I am not aware of any particular dialogue.