A senior Chinese official has voiced opposition to US arms sales to Taiwan, saying it harms Sino-US ties and the development of cross-strait relations.

Director of China's State Council's Taiwan Affairs Office, Wang Yi, made the remarks during a meeting with US experts on China. The meeting in Washington was held at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

Wang stressed that China's military is only for peaceful purposes. He also urged China and the US to resolve other outstanding political differences, while emphasizing China's right to defend the unity and territorial integrity of the country.

Wang Yi, Director of State Council’s Taiwan Affairs Office said, "This is an old issue, but the stance of the Chinese mainland is clear and consistent. We strongly oppose US arm sales to Taiwan. It harms Sino-US relations, and has a negative impact on development of cross-strait relations, as well as peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. Now is the time for stakeholders to sit down and make a comprehensive and long-term examination on how to appropriately handle the issue."