China voiced strong dissatisfaction and lodged solemn representations to the United States regarding a resolution by some U.S. Congress members who called for marking the 30th anniversary of the so-called Taiwan Relations Act.

    "Despite China's clear opposition, a handful of representatives from the U.S. Congress insisted on proposing a resolution to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act," said Foreign Ministry spokesman Ma Zhaoxu in a press release Wednesday.

    Ma said it is known to all that the "so-called" Taiwan Relations Act, enacted unilaterally by the United States, had gravely violated the basic norms guiding international relations. It also violated the United States' serious commitment to China and intervened in China's internal affairs.

    "The Chinese government and people opposed the act strongly from the day it was worked out," said Ma.

    "We urge the U.S. to abide by the basic norms guiding international relations and the principles enshrined in the three Sino-U.S. joint communiqués, not to deliberate and pass the resolution in any form, and properly and prudently handle the Taiwan issue so as to avoid any negative impact on Sino-U.S. relations," Ma said.

    The Taiwan Relations Act was passed by the U.S. Congress in 1979. It required the United States "to provide Taiwan with arms of a defensive character".

    Resolution 55, named Recognizing the 30th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act, was referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs of the U.S. Congress by 17 representatives on Monday.