Taiwan intends to buy new modern weapons from the US, said Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen.

Speaking during her visit to Hawaii, she noted that applications had been filed for the purchase of new F-16 fighter jets and M1 tanks, CNN reported.

The step comes after the US Military Intelligence Agency warned China over modernizing its armed forces in order to improve its capabilities in regional conflicts.

According to her, the weapons she requested from Washington will "greatly enhance our land and air capabilities, strengthen military morale and show to the world the US commitment to Taiwan's defense."

The Chinese Defense Ministry, in turn, said that Beijing was “firmly opposed to US arms sales to Taiwan and US military contact with Taiwan.”

"The Taiwan issue belongs to China's internal affairs, concerns China's core interest and the national bond of the Chinese people -- it allows no outside interference," spokesman Wu Qian said adding: "Such dangerous moves aren't in the interest of either side."