China warns U.S. of ‘heavy price’ for backing Taiwan's independence as Biden’s defence team lands in Taipei

Taiwanese media reports said a five-member delegation headed by former U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral (retd) Mike Mullen was received by Taiwan's Foreign Minister Joseph Wu

China on Tuesday warned the U.S. that it will pay a "heavy price" for its attempts to show support to Taiwan’s independence as a delegation of ex-American defence officials dispatched by President Joe Biden landed in Taipei amid apprehensions that Beijing may attempt action against the self-ruled island akin to Russia’s military assault in Ukraine.

Taiwanese media reports said a five-member delegation headed by former U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral (retd) Mike Mullen was received by Taiwan's Foreign Minister Joseph Wu, raising concerns in Beijing over the U.S. efforts to step up its engagement with Taiwan, which China firmly affirms as part of the Chinese mainland.

China in recent months ratcheted up military preparations sending hundreds of its air force jets into Taiwan’s Air Defence Zone besides beefing up its naval force keeping the self-governing breakaway island on tenterhooks.

Officials in Taiwan and the U.S. say that Russia's invasion of Ukraine has drawn fresh attention to China's threat to forcibly annex the self-governing island.

Besides Mr. Mullen’s visit, former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was due to arrive in Taiwan on Wednesday.

Both Mr. Mullen and Mr. Pompeo, known for their anti-China rhetoric during their stint under former US president Donald Trump, are due to meet Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen, who Beijing blames as the ring-leader of advocating Taiwan’s independence.

Much on the expected lines, the Chinese Foreign Ministry had some sharp words to criticise the visit of U.S. officials.