Criticizing China’s behaviour in the Asia-Pacific region, US Vice President Kamala Harris has said that the US administration will further develop its relationship with Taiwan.

Speaking to US sailors aboard a US warship in Japan, Harris also accused Beijing of undermining key elements of the international rules-based order. She criticized China for challenging the freedom of the seas and coercively threatening its neighbours with a show of military power during US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taipei.

The US has said it supports Taiwan’s self-defence and will deepen ties with the self-governing island.