China has reacted angrily to the White House's approval of $295 million in arms sales to Taiwan, according to a release Saturday from the Chinese Foreign Ministry in Los Angeles.

The Chinese government protested Sunday the latest American announcements of military sales and assistance to Taiwan, warning the United States that it is ''playing with fire.''

China has warned the US that sending weapons to Taiwan is akin to “playing with fire” and risks severe consequences. The US recently announced $571.3m (£473m) in military assistance to the island and approved $295m in arms sales.