China threatens Taiwan as US increases support

China's military has warned that it is prepared to "smash" any form of Taiwan independence, as the US reportedly prepares to accelerate the sale of defensive weapons and other military assistance to the self-governing island democracy. China claims Taiwan as its own territory and has been upping its threats by sending planes and warships into waters and airspace around Taiwan. The US has been increasing its exchanges with Taiwan's military, and President Joe Biden is preparing to approve the sale of $500 million in arms to Taiwan, as well as sending more than 100 military personnel to evaluate training methods and offer suggestions for improving the island's defenses.