Sen. Ted Cruz Rafael (Ted) Edward CruzLoeffler calls for hearing in wake of Netflix's 'Cuties' Health care in the crosshairs with new Trump Supreme Court list 'Parks and Rec' cast members hosting special reunion to raise money for Wisconsin Democrats MORE (R-Texas) on Sunday said he was "honored" to meet with Taiwan's president, Tsai Ing-wen.

"We discussed our mutual opportunity to upgrade the stature of our bilateral relations in a wide-ranging discussion that addressed arms sales, diplomatic exchanges, and economic relations," Cruz said in a statement.

"Furthering economic cooperation between our two nations must be a priority; increased access to Taiwanese markets will benefit Texas farmers, ranchers and small business owners alike."

ADVERTISEMENT

Cruz also said the Chinese consulate asked members of the Houston congressional delegation not to meet with Tsai.

"The People’s Republic of China [PRC] needs to understand that in America we make decisions about meeting with visitors for ourselves," Cruz said in the statement.

"This is not about the PRC. This is about the U.S. relationship with Taiwan, an ally we are legally bound to defend."

The Chinese don't give the U.S. "veto power over those with whom they meet," Cruz said.

"We will continue to meet with anyone, including the Taiwanese, as we see fit," he said.

"The US-Taiwan relationship is not on the negotiating table. It is bound in statute and founded on common interests. I look forward to working with President Tsai to strengthen our partnership."

Last year, Donald Trump Donald John TrumpBarr criticizes DOJ in speech declaring all agency power 'is invested in the attorney general' Military leaders asked about using heat ray on protesters outside White House: report Powell warns failure to reach COVID-19 deal could 'scar and damage' economy MORE faced backlash after taking a call from Taiwan's leader after his presidential victory.

In speaking with Tsai, Trump became the first president or president-elect since Jimmy Carter to have a conversation with a Taiwanese leader.

Carter broke off diplomatic relations with Taiwan, which Beijing views as a breakaway province, as part of the one-China policy. The policy effectively dictates that countries either recognize diplomatically the People's Republic of China, on the mainland, or the Republic of China, on Taiwan, but not both.

U.S. presidents in both parties, from Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush to Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, had abided by the policy, though the U.S. continues to sell arms to Taiwan.