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Last Updated: January 09, 2017 4:36 AM<\/span><\/p> <\/p> China<\/span> said Monday it opposes any contact between Taiwanese leaders and U.S. officials, a day after Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen met with U.S. Senator Ted Cruz and Texas Governor Greg Abbott.<\/span><\/p> <\/p> Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang told reporters that China is against activities that “interfere with and damage China-U.S. relations.”<\/span><\/p> <\/p> The meeting happened in Houston where Tsai stopped on her way to Central America.<\/span><\/p> <\/p> Cruz said shortly before the talks took place, the Houston congressional delegation received what he called a “curious” letter from the Chinese consulate asking them not to go forward with the meeting.<\/span><\/p> <\/p> “The People’s Republic of China needs to understand that in America we make decisions about meeting with visitors for ourselves,” Cruz said in a statement. “The Chinese do not give us veto power over those with whom they meet. We will continue to meet with anyone, including the Taiwanese, as we see fit.”<\/span><\/p> <\/p> The senator said the substance of the talks included boosting economic cooperation, and that increased access to Taiwan would help farmers, ranchers and small business owners in his state.<\/span><\/p> <\/p> Abbott mentioned in his own statement the prospects of more trade involving natural gas and cooperation on the development of medical facilities.<\/span><\/p> <\/p> President-elect Donald Trump drew criticism from China when he spoke by phone with Tsai shortly after he was elected in November.<\/span><\/p> <\/p> Since 1979, the U.S. has recognized China’s official position that Taiwan is part of China.<\/span><\/p> <\/p> Trump later questioned why the U.S. should be bound by that policy unless China makes trade concessions.<\/span><\/p> <\/p> A Chinese foreign ministry spokesman responded by saying the one-China policy is the foundation of U.S.-China relations and urged Trump to “understand the seriousness.”<\/span><\/p> <\/p>