TOKYO, Feb 1 (Reuters) - The United States intends to meet its obligation to ensure Taiwan's self-defence capabilities, the Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Asia-Pacific region said on Monday in Tokyo.

The comments by Wallace Gregson came after the United States announced on Friday a $6.4 billion plan to sell arms to Taiwan, a scheme China said hurts its national security. The dispute could deepen rifts between the two giant economies.

"The United States is also obligated to ensure Taiwan's self-defence capability and the United States fully intends to meet every one of our obligations there and we will continue to do so into the future," Gregson said.

He also said the U.S. aimed to maintain cooperative, cordial relations with China.