China opposes US defense bill over Taiwan port visits option

China has urged the U.S. to abide by the One-China after the U.S. Congress passed a bill which could see the U.S. Navy reestablish port calls between the US and Taiwanese navies.

The $696 billion defense policy bill, passed on Friday, allows the US Defense Secretary to look into the feasibility of a renewed U.S. cooperation with Taiwan.

China is opposed to such an option and has filed diplomatic protest following Friday’s decision.

“Relevant contents go against the one China policy of the US and the principles of the three joint communiques between China and the US and interfere in China’s domestic affairs. China has lodged stern representations with the US side,” China’s foreign ministry spokesperson Lu Kang told reporters at a regular press conference on July 17. “I must reiterate that it is China’s consistent position to firmly oppose any official contacts and military exchanges between the US and Taiwan.”

Commenting on the same bill last month, before if was approved by Congress, Kang said the Taiwan question concerned China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity adding it was purely China’s internal affairs.

A markup of the bill reestablishes regular ports of call by the U.S. Navy at Kaohsiung or any other suitable ports in Taiwan and permits U.S. Pacific Command to receive ports of call by Taiwan;

It also directs the Department of Defense to implement a program of technical assistance to support Taiwanese efforts to develop indigenous undersea warfare capabilities, including vehicles and sea mines; and expresses the sense of Congress that the United States should strengthen and enhance its long-standing partnership and strategic cooperation with Taiwan.