Two former officials sent by President Joe Biden will arrive in island state later on Sunday

A high-level US delegation of former top officials will arrive in Taipei later on Sunday, putting to the test China’s restraint in its response to its democratic neighbour’s presidential election.

Taiwan on Saturday elected Lai Ching-te president, giving his Democratic Progressive party an unprecedented third term in office.

China has denounced Lai as a dangerous separatist because he has a record of association with the wing of the DPP which favours formalising Taiwan’s de facto independence.