US defense law between China’s rejection and Taiwan’s welcome

On Saturday, China’s foreign ministry announced its total opposition to President Joe Biden’s U.S. National Defense Act, while Taiwan welcomed the legislation, saying it showed Washington’s support for the autonomous island, which China says should be governed by.

“China deplores and strongly opposes this American move,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement posted online, calling the new law a serious political provocation that grossly interferes in China’s internal affairs.

US President Joe Biden signed the $858 billion defense bill into law in Washington.

In the Indo-Pacific, legislation empowers increased security cooperation with Taiwan and requires expanded cooperation with India on emerging defence techniques, readiness and logistics.

A statement from Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry thanked the US Congress for “demonstrating the great importance it attaches to US-Taiwan relations and strengthening Taiwan’s security.”