Taiwan's Central News Agency (CNA) reported on Thursday that Andrew Hsia, the vice chairman of Taiwan's opposition party Kuomintang (KMT), has commenced a 10-day visit to the US.

The purpose of the visit is to strengthen bilateral ties with Washington.

Upon his departure at the airport, Hsia told reporters that he was scheduled to meet with "old friends" in Washington and party members in San Francisco.

Hsia's trip coincides with the ongoing visit of former Taiwanese leader Ma Ying-jeou to mainland China, where he is due to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Hsia denied the notion that his trip was intended to serve as a counterbalance to Ma's visit, noting that the timing was "purely coincidental."

Hsia also mentioned that his party had consistently followed the policy pursued during Ma's presidency, which involves "being close to the US, friendly to Japan and in harmony with China," according to the report.

The politician was quoted as stating his intention to demonstrate the KMT's commitment to its relations with the US. 

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On March 28, the US has allocated two military supplies packages, valued at $700 million combined, to support Taiwan.

At a press briefing on the same, the Chinese Defense Ministry commented on the matter, saying that Separatist activity in Taiwan is diminishing the likelihood of achieving peaceful reunification between mainland China and the island.

"The more unrestrained the separatist activities of [supporters of] Taiwan's independence are, the fewer opportunities there are for peaceful reunification," a spokesman said.

The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) will continue to improve army training and combat readiness, and will "defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity with unwavering determination," they added.