Tensions between China and Taiwan are the worst in 40 years 6:46
Taipei, Taiwan (CNN) -
A delegation of US lawmakers arrived in Taiwan on Tuesday prompting immediate condemnation from China, with Beijing describing the trip as an "act of provocation."
The unspecified group landed in Taipei in a Boeing C-40A military jet shortly after 6 p.m. local time, according to flight details on Flightaware.
The plane subsequently took off for Okinawa after a brief stay at the airport.
The Taiwanese Foreign Ministry confirmed the visit, saying the trip was organized by the American Institute in Taiwan, the de facto US embassy in Taipei.
He did not reveal the names of the legislators who participated in the visit, nor their itinerary.
"This is the most difficult moment for Taiwan2: the president of the island speaks exclusively with CNN about the situation of tension with China
When asked for comment, the American Institute in Taiwan did not confirm the list of lawmakers, but directed CNN for information to the office of Senator John Cornyn, Republican of Texas.
Relations between Taipei and Beijing are at their lowest point in decades, marked by fiery rhetoric and military stances.
Last month, the Chinese military sent a record number of warplanes to Taiwan's air defense identification zone (ADIZ), the area surrounding the island where Taipei says it will respond to any incursions.
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In a statement, China's National Defense Ministry condemned the US for "grossly interfering in China's internal affairs" and said it should stop taking "provocative actions" that may escalate tensions in the Taiwan Strait.
"(The US) must refrain from sending the wrong signals to the forces of 'Taiwan independence'," the statement said.
"The People's Liberation Army will always be on high alert and will adopt all necessary measures to decisively crush any interference by foreign forces and separatist attempts."
Beijing regards the self-governing island as an inseparable part of its territory, although the two parts have been ruled separately for more than seven decades.
On Tuesday, Chinese leader Xi Jinping said China was willing to manage differences with the United States and "improve exchanges and cooperation in all areas," according to a statement posted on the website of the Chinese embassy in the United States.
This comes before a virtual meeting with US President Joe Biden, which could be held next week, a source told CNN.
The US delegation's visit to Taiwan comes as China conducted what it called a "combat readiness patrol" near the Taiwan Strait on Tuesday.
The drills were carried out to "further enhance the joint combat capabilities of multiple military services and branches," Senior Colonel Shi Yi, spokesman for the PLA Eastern Theater Command, said, according to the state tabloid Global Times.
"This drill is aimed at the grossly erroneous movements and comments of a certain country on the Taiwan issue and the activities of the Taiwan secessionists, and is a necessary measure to safeguard the sovereignty of the country," Shi said.
In a press release late Tuesday, the Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense reported that six Chinese warplanes entered its Southwest ADIZ that day.
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When asked about the trip, US State Department spokesman Ned Price told reporters: "It is not our practice to confirm or speak to congressional delegations."
It is not the first time that a delegation of US senators has flown to Taiwan.
In June, a US delegation including Sen. Tammy Duckworth landed on a US Air Force C-17 Globemaster III freighter to announce the donation of 750,000 doses of the covid-19 vaccine.
And previously, American officials and politicians have flown to Taiwan on the C-40, a military version of the Boeing 737 commercial jet.
Pentagon press secretary John Kirby told reporters Tuesday that the visit was made by a US congressional delegation and that it was "not uncommon" for them to travel on a military plane.
"Visits by congressional delegations to Taiwan are quite routine," Kirby said, adding that the trip was "in line with our obligations under the Taiwan Relations Act, which has been endorsed by multiple administrations, both Democrats and. Republicans, which reinforces our requirement to assist Taiwan with its self-defense needs. "
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The United States also maintains military ties with the island.
On Tuesday, the Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense said that a total of 618 US troops visited Taiwan on military exchange programs between September 2019 and August 2021.
In its defense report, released once every two years, the ministry said the exchange programs were aimed at boosting Taiwan's national security, defense strategy and military operations, saying it was essential to deepen military cooperation with USA.
According to the report, 542 Taiwanese also visited the United States on 175 military exchange programs during the same period.
During an exclusive interview with CNN in October, President Tsai became the first Taiwanese leader in four decades to confirm the presence of US military instructors in Taiwan, though she did not specify the number.
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