China asks US military to stop contact with Taiwan

"The United States should clearly understand the seriousness and sensitivity of the Taiwan situation," Li told Admiral Thomas Fargo, commander-in-chief of the US Pacific Command, who is in Beijing for talks.

"Only in so doing can the steady development of Sino-US relations and peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait be maintained," he said according to the Xinhua news agency.

Li said arms sales to Taiwan should be halted and the US must "stop its relevant military exchanges aiming to upgrade the substantial relationship with Taiwan", according to Xinhua.