U.S. strengthened ties with Taiwan in blow to Beijing

Shortly before speaking by phone with China’s Xi Jinping, U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday signed a law passed by Congress which aims to strengthen Taiwan’s alliances amid increased pressure from the communist on the mainland. Even amid the coronavirus outbreak, China in recent weeks has reportedly stepped up its military drills around Taiwan. China has also blocked Taiwan from participating in bodies like the World Health Organization (WHO). Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen posted a picture on her Twitter page of Taiwan’s flag fluttering next to the U.S. one under the words “Friends in freedom, partners in prosperity”, to welcome Trump’s signing of the law, Reuters reported. It was “a…