Trump Risks Beijing's Ire With Taiwan Travel Act

US President Donald Trump has signed new rules allowing top level US officials to travel to Taiwan to meet their counterparts, a move that is certain to annoy Beijing.

The White House said Trump had signed the Taiwan Travel Act, which "encourages visits between officials of the United States and Taiwan at all levels."

US representatives can already travel to Taiwan and Taiwanese officials occasionally visit the White House, but meetings are usually low profile to avoid offending Beijing.

Washington cut formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan in 1979 in favour of Beijing. But it maintains trade relations with the island and sells it weapons.

The new law describes Taiwan as "a beacon of democracy" in Asia, and states that "Taiwan's democratic achievements inspire many countries and people in the region."

Trump's signature, announced late on Friday - when the White House usually tries to bury news - comes amid increasing tensions between the mainland and the island.

Beijing has cut off official communications with Taipei because President Tsai Ing-wen refuses to acknowledge the island as part of "one China". (AFP)