US Lawmakers Reaffirm Support for Taiwan's New President

China Criticizes International Congratulatory Messages, Maintains Claim Over Taiwan

US lawmakers have made a formal show of support for Taiwan’s newly elected president, Lai Ching-te, in a move likely to irritate Beijing.
Taiwan’s president-elect, Lai Ching-te, has called for the United States to continue to firmly support Taiwan, deepen bilateral cooperation and relations, and work with other democratic partners to ensure peace and prosperity in the region.
China, which claims Taiwan as its own territory, has criticized several countries for congratulating Lai on his election victory, saying they should not interfere in China's affairs.
Despite the lack of formal diplomatic ties, the United States is Taiwan's most important international backer and a major arms supplier to Taipei.
Beijing objects to any form of official contact between the U.S. and Taiwan and views visits by foreign government officials as them recognizing the island’s sovereignty.