A top U.S. official has urged China to improve ties with Taiwan, after Beijing escalated tensions by adopting a law authorizing military action if the island moves toward independence.
U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Randall Shriver told the House International Relations Asia and Pacific subcommittee Wednesday that China could help improve relations by, among other things, allowing Taiwan to join the World Health Organization.
China has blocked Taiwan's membership in international organizations to isolate the island, considered by Beijing as a renegade province.
China's adoption of the anti-secession law has raised concerns among some in Washington the mainland and the self-governing island could get caught in a cycle of events that could lead to war.
Information for this report is provided by AP and Reuters.