Reuters
Date: Jun 25, 2015

China’s Defence Ministry expressed anger on Thursday after the U.S. Senate passed a bill which would encourage self-ruled Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its own, to take part in U.S. military exercises.

Under the Taiwan Relations Act, enacted in 1979 when Washington severed formal ties with the island in favour of recognising the People’s Republic of China in Beijing, the United States is obligated to help Taiwan defend itself.

The Senate bill, passed last week, says that Taiwan “should be encouraged to participate in exercises that include realistic air-to-air combat training”, as well as advanced training for its ground forces, attack helicopters and surveillance aircraft.

“We resolutely oppose any country developing any kind of military relationship with Taiwan,” ministry spokesman Yang Yujun told a monthly news briefing. “This position is clear and consistent.”     [FULL  STORY]