China has reiterated its opposition to any sale of military equipment to Taiwan following media reports that the government there is planning to buy four advanced warships from the United States.

The Taiwanese defence ministry has confirmed that the purchase is under consideration, but said the government had not decided whether to give the warships priority over other naval projects.

The four ships -- Aegis class destroyers -- would cost nearly five-billion-dollars and newspaper reports in Taiwan have suggested the move could start a new arms race between Taiwan and China.

Earlier this year, the United States announced plans to sell three refurbished frigates to Taiwan