A senior official of the US State Department has met with a deputy foreign minister of Taiwan in Washington.
The US announced the meeting in advance, a rare move apparently aimed at keeping China in check.
The US passed the Taiwan Travel Act last year, which allows and encourages exchanges between government officials of the two sides.
China has criticized the law, calling it a violation of Beijing's "One China" principle.
The meeting Monday was between David Stilwell, assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs, and Hsu Szu-chien. Hsu is in charge of US and other affairs.
Afterward, Hsu told NHK and other media he appreciates the support for Taiwan from the US government and Congress.
He said the two sides discussed the Hong Kong situation, Taiwan's presidential election next year and its relations with countries with which it has diplomatic ties.
Hsu said he also exchanged views with officials of the Defense Department and the White House.
The US has so far refrained from publicizing meetings with senior Taiwan officials visiting Washington.
That's because the US has no formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan, as it maintains the "One-China" policy.
The US State Department has told NHK the US will maintain its unofficial relationship with Taiwan, while seeking constructive ties with China.
NHK
