Beijing: China on Friday voiced 'firm opposition' to any form of official engagement between the US and Taiwan. "China firmly opposes any form of official engagement between the US and the Taiwan region," Defense Ministry spokesman Jiang Bin said, according to a statement from the ministry.

According to Anadolu Agency, Beijing's reaction comes as reports circulate in the press that the chairman of the US Senate Armed Services Committee may soon lead a congressional delegation to Taiwan, marking the first such trip by a senator in that capacity since 2016. "There is but one China in the world, and Taiwan is an inalienable part of the Chinese territory," Jiang stated.

Jiang urged the US to adhere to the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiques, advising against any form of official interaction and military connection with Taiwan. He also called for the cessation of "conniving at or supporting 'Taiwan independence' separatists." China's army, Jiang added, will "stay on high alert at any time and take resolute measures to safeguard China's national sovereignty and territorial integrity."

The statement from China follows Taiwan's confirmation on Tuesday that the island had received the first batch of the US' Altius-600M attack drones.

Separately, Jiang criticized the Philippines following a joint naval exercise with India, urging Manila to "stop its provocations and propaganda," and to cease "ganging up with others to stir up troubles in the South China Sea." He emphasized the importance of resolving disputes through dialogue and consultation.

"We oppose using the South China Sea issue as a pretext to provoke confrontation and believe that military cooperation between relevant countries should not target any third party or undermine regional peace and stability," Jiang concluded.