WASHINGTON (AP) — The United States signed a commerce settlement Thursday with Taiwan over opposition from China, which claims the self-ruled island democracy as a part of its territory.

The two governments say the U.S.-Taiwan Initiative on twenty first Century Trade will strengthen industrial relations by bettering customs, funding and different regulation.

The measure was signed by staff of the unofficial entities that keep relations between the United States and Taiwan, a middle for high-tech trade. They don't have any formal diplomatic ties however keep unofficial relations and have billions of {dollars} in annual commerce.

The settlement is meant to “strengthen and deepen the economic and trade relationship,” the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative stated in an announcement. The deputy USTR, Sarah Bianchi, attended the signing.

The Chinese authorities accused Washington of violating agreements on Taiwan’s standing and demanded the U.S. authorities cease official contact with the island’s elected authorities.

Taiwan and China break up in 1949 after a civil conflict. The island by no means has been a part of the People’s Republic of China, however the mainland’s ruling Communist Party says it's obligated to unite with China, by power if needed.

Chinese chief Xi Jinping’s authorities has stepped up efforts to intimidate Taiwan by flying fighter jets and bombers close to the island. American and European politicians have visited Taiwan in a present of help for its elected authorities.

“The United States should stop any form of official exchanges with Taiwan” and “refrain from sending wrong signals to the ‘Taiwan independence’ secessionist forces,” stated a Chinese overseas ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning.

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Office of the U.S. Trade Representative: https://ustr.gov/

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