China blasts US defense bill while Taiwan welcomes it

China blasted an annual U.S. defense spending bill for hyping up “China threat" while Taiwan welcomed legislation, saying it demonstrated U.S. support for self-governing island that China says must come under its rule.

“China deplores and firmly opposes this U.S. move,” Foreign Ministry said in a statement posted online Saturday, calling new law a serious political provocation that blatantly interferes in China's internal affairs.

President Joe Biden signed $858 billion defense bill into law in Washington on Friday. It includes about $45 billion more than Biden h requested as lawmakers look to offset inflation and boost nation’s military competitiveness with China and Russia.

bill also repealed a COVID-19 vaccination requirement for U.S. troops.

In Indo-Pacific region, legislation authorizes increased security cooperation with Taiwan and requires expanded cooperation with India on emerging defense technologies, reiness and logistics.

A Taiwan Foreign Ministry statement thanked U.S. Congress “for showing great importance it attaches to Taiwan-U.S. relations and strengning Taiwan’s security.”

China objects to U.S. support for Taiwan, an island of 23 million people off its east coast. two split during civil war that brought communists to power in China in 1949.

Chinese Foreign Ministry statement said U.S. defense bill “severely affects peace and stability across Taiwan Strait."

China staged major military exercises around Taiwan in August after U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited island. Chinese military sent 39 planes and three ships toward Taiwan earlier this week in a relatively large show of force.