China threatens to "smash" Taiwan as US sends arms and advisers.

China's military has warned that it is ready 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 a strong supporter of Taiwan and is expected to approve the sale of $500m in arms to the island, as well as sending more than 100 military personnel to evaluate training methods and offer suggestions for improving the island's defences.