Beijing: China on Thursday expressed "firm opposition" to Taiwan and the US "officially interacting," amid reports that a US congressional delegation is planning to visit the island next month. Beijing "firmly opposes any form of official interactions between Taiwan region and the US," Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun told a news conference in Beijing.

According to Anadolu Agency, a top Republican lawmaker will lead a congressional delegation to Taiwan in August, as reported by the Financial Times. Guo emphasized that "Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory," urging Washington to "stop interfering in China's internal affairs under any excuse" and to cease "abetting Taiwan independentist forces." He further called on the US to "stop creating tensions in the Taiwan Strait."

Earlier in the week, the media outlet also reported that the Trump administration denied permission to Taiwanese leader William Lai Ching-te to stop in New York on his way to Central America. However, Lai's office denied any plans of visiting Central American allies.

Additionally, it was reported that Washington canceled a meeting with Taiwan's Defense Minister Wellington Koo in June. The ongoing tensions reflect the complex relationship between the US, China, and Taiwan, with China considering Taiwan a breakaway province. Taiwan, on the other hand, rejects that claim and has insisted on maintaining its independence since 1949.