China on Sunday lodged a protest to the U.S. over a defense policy bill that calls for military exchanges with Taiwan.

President Obama this week signed a bill that “expresses the sense of Congress that [the Department of Defense] should conduct a program of senior military exchanges between the United States and Taiwan.”

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China's Foreign Ministry lodged “stern representations,” according to Reuters

"We urge the U.S. side to abide by its promises made to China on the Taiwan issue, stop U.S.-Taiwan military contacts and arms sales to Taiwan, to avoid damaging Sino-U.S. ties and peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait,” the ministry said.

China claims Taiwan as part of its “One China” policy, and the U.S. has recognized that claim since 1979 and not had formal diplomatic relations with the island since.