"This is obviously a violation of the code of conduct between nations," Yang said in an opening speech to the Munich Security Conference in this southern German city, calling Taiwan "a part of China."

"Of course the Chinese government and the people have to react. It is within its sovereign right to do what is necessary... I think the Chinese people and the government of every region should feel indignant about this thing," added the minister.

"We approached the US side and made a representation very seriously, on many occasions, yet the US still went ahead with the sale," he said.

Under a deal that has rattled China-US ties, the Pentagon last month unveiled a 6.4-billion-dollar arms package for Taiwan including Patriot missiles, Black Hawk helicopters and mine-hunting ships.

Beijing has been angered both by this deal and by the prospect of the Dalai Lama visiting the White House later this month.

Yang said that in an agreement signed between Washington and Beijing in 1982, known as the August 17 communique, the United States had pledged to reduce its arms sales to Taiwan.

"I do hope that the United States will change its behaviour on arms sales and will abide by the August 17 communique and will stop arms sales to Taiwan," said the minister.

The three-day Munich Security Conference, which runs until Sunday, involves around 300 top military, diplomatic and political figures. It is the first time that a Chinese foreign minister has attended.

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