China has warned the United States against interference with its relationship with Taiwan, threatening a “heavy price” for its attempts to support Taiwan’s independence efforts. 

The warning came as a group of ex-American defence officials sent by President Joe Biden landed in Taipei amid fears that China may attempt similar military actions like Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. 

On Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin addressed the interference by the Biden administration. 

“Such moves will only accelerate the demise of the Taiwan independence forces,” Mr Wenbin said. “The U.S. will also pay a heavy price for its adventurist act.”

Local media reported that a five-member delegation headed by former U.S. chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mike Mullen was received by Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Joseph Wu.  

“The Chinese people are firmly determined to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said. “The attempt by the U.S. to show support to Taiwan will be in vain no matter who is sent. China urges the U.S. to abide by the one-China principle.”

Officials in Taiwan and the U.S. said Russia’s invasion of Ukraine had drawn fresh scrutiny to China’s threat to annex the self-governing island.

China has increased military preparations, sending hundreds of its air force jets into Taiwan’s Air Defence Zone.