On January 9, 2010, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister He Yafei gave an exclusive interview to Xinhua on U.S. arms sales to Taiwan. He said the U.S. sales of weapons to Taiwan seriously violated the three Sino-U.S. joint communiques, in particular the principles enshrined in the August 17 Communique. The arms sales undermined China's national security as well as the peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, said He, once again voicing China's resolute opposition to the sales. China's position on this issue was always consistent, clear and unswerving. He said that in response to the U.S. government's recent approval of Raytheon Company and Lockheed Martin Corp. to sell weapons to Taiwan, the Chinese side had made solemn representations to the U.S. side. The two U.S. Companies' sales plan was part of the arms sales package announced in October 2008 under the Bush Administration, which included weapons and equipments such as Patriot III anti-missile system.

Noting the Sino-U.S. relations had maintained a steady momentum of development since U.S. President Barack Obama took office, He said this progress was hard-earned and should be valued by both countries. He said the Taiwan issue was always the most important and sensitive issue at the core of Sino-U.S. relations. China hoped the United States would work with China to earnestly implement the important consensus on developing bilateral relations reached by leaders of the two countries in the new period, strictly abide by the three Sino-U.S. joint communiques and principles of the joint statement issued last November, enhance bilateral dialogue, coordination and cooperation in various spheres, so as to push forward the sound and steady development of bilateral ties, said He. China strongly urged the United States to respect its core interests and grave concerns, and immediately stop arms sales to Taiwan to avoid harms to the Sino-U.S. cooperation.