TAIPEI. Beijing announced the creation of new military universities for the maritime zone around TaiwanWith China simultaneously impose sanctions on the representative of Taiwan in Washingtonas well as against five deputies of his parliament Taipei.

A delegation of US senators headed by Massachusetts Senator Ed Markey arrived in Taiwan on Monday. A delegation of lawmakers met with President Tsai Ing-wen and foreign ministry officials, according to a statement yesterday by the American Institute in Taiwan, the de facto US embassy in the island nation. After the meeting, President Tsai said her government is working closely with allied countries to ensure stability and free navigation in the Taiwan Strait.

In response to a visit by a delegation of American officials to Taipei.

For his part, Senator Markey said that Washington and Taipei “have a moral obligation to do everything possible to prevent unnecessary conflict,” adding that Taiwan has shown remarkable restraint. The senator also made legislative proposals aimed at strengthening political and economic ties with Taiwan and ensuring the smooth operation of the strategically important semiconductor sector.

Ed Markey is one of the few sitting members of Congress who passed a law in 1979 guaranteeing friendly relations between Washington and Taipei despite US diplomatic recognition of Beijing. Prior to this, the United States maintained only diplomatic relations with Taiwan.