BEIJING - China on Friday reiterated its firm opposition to arms sales to Taiwan by the United States.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei made the remarks at a regular press briefing when asked to comment on the news reports of U.S. arms sales to Taiwan.

He said China's position remains clear and urged the US to abide by the three Sino-U.S. Joint Communiques, especially the principles in the ?August 17 Communique, and stop arms sales to Taiwan.

The U.S. was also urged to maintain the development of bilateral ties with China through concrete efforts, and to support the peaceful development of cross-Straits relations.