News - World: China has blasted the US passing of a defense authorization law that boosts military assistance for Chinese Taipei in defiance of Beijing’s territorial claims over the self-ruled island.

In a statement on Saturday, the Chinese Foreign Ministry expressed "strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition" towards the US National Defense Authorization Act, which was signed into law by US President Joe Biden the day before.

The statement said the $858 billion military spending measure, which authorizes up to $10 billion in security assistance and fast-tracked weapons procurement for Taipei, contained provisions that "cause serious damage to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.”

The legislation also contained an amendment restricting the Biden administration's purchases of products using computer chips made by a specific group of Chinese companies.

"The case ignores the facts to exaggerate a 'China threat', wantonly interferes in China's internal affairs and attacks and smears the Chinese Communist Party, which are serious political provocations to China," the Chinese Foreign Ministry underlined in the statement.

Taiwan's Defense Ministry had earlier commended the US legislation, saying the move showed the importance Washington attached to Taiwan-US ties and strengthening the self-ruled island's security.

Taipei will discuss the details of the act with Washington and "gradually push forward the budget formulation and actual disbursement of the various Taiwan-friendly provisions," the ministry added, without elaborating.

Source: Press TV