Contacts with China’s military would likely be the first to suffer if Beijing moves to retaliate over upcoming US arms sales to Taiwan — the latest in a flurry of disputes elevating tensions between Washington and Beijing.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Ma Zhaoxu (馬朝旭) warned that the Obama administration risked damaging ties with China if it proceeds with an arms package deal, which is likely to include Black Hawk helicopters and Patriot missiles.