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Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang has declared that ties with Washington are at the 'lowest point' since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1979. But why does Taiwan continue to cause heated debate between the US and China?
"BBC" writes that Taiwan is probably at the center of tensions between Washington and Beijing.
In a statement made earlier, Foreign Minister Qin Gang stated that the island remains a 'core interest' for China and that it is the 'most important issue' in Sino-American relations.
China views self-governing democratic Taiwan as part of its territory and has not ruled out using force to take control of the island.
For its part, the US has shown greater support for Taiwan. The policy is the diplomatic recognition of China's position that there is only one Chinese government, the one in Beijing.
As a matter of policy, the US recognizes and has formal ties with China and not with the island of Taiwan, which China views as a breakaway province to join the mainland one day.
However, it is different from the "One China" principle, where China insists that Taiwan is an inalienable part of the one China to join one day.
US policy is not an endorsement of Beijing's position, and indeed as part of policy, Washington maintains an "unofficially strong" relationship with Taiwan, including continued arms sales to the island so that it can is protected.
China claims the entire South China Sea as its own, while the US insists it is part of international waters. Access to these waters is key to Taiwan's defense at a time when China's claims over the self-ruled island have intensified.
The waterways also account for $5 trillion (£4 trillion) of global trade each year, raising concerns that Beijing's growing footprint could restrict trade.
China has deployed its coast guard and ships to intimidate ships from the Philippines. A BBC crew witnessed such maneuvers first-hand in April.
In response, the US has sailed its warships on so-called freedom of navigation patrols and granted access to Philippine military bases that are just two hours away from Taiwan.
Taiwan is located in the so-called "first island chain", which includes a list of US-friendly territories that are crucial to Washington's foreign policy.
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