US Lawmakers Defy China, Visit Taiwan Amid Rising Tensions

China demands the U.S. stop any official contact with Taiwan following a congressional delegation's visit, criticizing a $75 million arms sale to Taiwan as undermining its sovereignty and security interests. The visit and arms sale have drawn strong opposition from Beijing, which considers Taiwan part of Chinese territory. The U.S. is obligated to provide Taiwan with military hardware and technology to deter invasion, and the visit coincided with an announcement of the arms sale. The congressional delegation met with Taiwanese leaders to show bipartisan support for the partnership, but China's response reflects its ongoing sensitivity and opposition to U.S. involvement with Taiwan.