The sale of the two frigates to Taiwan isn't likely to cause much friction in the U.S.-China relationship, according to Collin Koh Swee Lean, an associate research fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore.
The last USA arms sales were approved in September 2011 and included upgrades for Taiwan's F-16 fighter jets.
"To safeguard our national interests, China has chose to take necessary measures, including imposing sanctions against the companies involved in the arms sale", Zheng said, according to state news agency Xinhua.
A U.S. Embassy spokesman, speaking on routine condition of anonymity, declined to comment on the meeting, saying, "we don't get into the content of our diplomatic discussions".
One of the aides said the planned $1.8 billion sale would include two decommissioned U.S. Navy frigates, minesweepers, Stinger missiles, and anti-armor and anti-tank missiles.
There has been growing concern by Democrats and Republicans in Congress over Taiwan's ability to defend itself from China's growing military might.
In addition to munitions and military equipment, the USA will supply training instructors and maintenance engineers to assist Taiwanese operators.
The administration is seeking to expedite preliminary approval from the House and Senate foreign affairs committees for the proposed package so it can formally notify Congress of the sale this week.
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The US and its allies have carried out high-profile overflights of the sea, nearing the artificial islands, in what they say are routine "freedom of navigation" exercises in worldwide waters. "In fact, some Taiwanese requests have still not seen the light of day".
Ahead of the announcement, China criticized the expected US arms sale.
Beijing expressed anger at last year's bill, though arms sales to date to Taiwan have not caused lasting damage to Beijing's relations with either Washington or Taipei.
Taiwan's defense ministry said in a statement the new weapons would be phased in over a number of years and would enable Taiwan to maintain and develop a credible defense.
"The trend of economic cooperation and development across the Taiwan Strait can't be stopped, and can't be diverted, because of the will of a single person", Ma said.
China on Wednesday reiterated its opposition to a potential arms deal between the USA and the island nation of Taiwan. The United States-while recognizing only one China-is legally bound to defend the island in case of military action by the mainland. It did not seriously impair ties.
The report, which covered issues ranging from EU-China trade relations and cybersecurity to human rights and climate change, was debated in the committee Tuesday and will be put to a vote Wednesday.
