A delegation of former U.S. defence officials has arrived in Taiwan to demonstrate U.S. support for the island against the backdrop of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The government in Taipei welcomed the visit on Tuesday as a sign that relations with the U.S. were “rock solid,”, especially in light of the war in Ukraine.

President Tsai Ing-wen planned to receive the delegation on Wednesday.

The group included ex-chief of staff, Mike Mullen and former senior members of the White House national security team and the U.S. Department of defence.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine had reignited fears over China’s geopolitical ambitions regarding Taiwan.

The communist leadership in Beijing regarded the island only as part of its territory.

UN reports at least 536 civilian casualties in Ukraine

“Any attempt by the U.S. to show ‘support to Taiwan’‌ is in vain,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said, adding that the U.S. should suspend official contacts with Taiwan so as not to undermine peace and stability.

The U.S. is committed to Taiwan’s defence capability and is supplying arms to the island.

Around 100 Taiwanese people protested against the war in Ukraine for the third time outside Russia’s representative office in Taipei on Tuesday.