Beijing on Tuesday accused Taiwan authorities of “provocation”, after the island said it would boost military exchanges with the United States.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin warned that "any futile separatist conspiracy or scheme relying on foreign forces to undermine cross-strait relations will only backfire and never succeed".

Taiwan authorities "cannot change the inevitable broader trend towards Chinese unification", Wang said at a regular press conference.

Taiwan’s announcement comes after US lawmakers visited the island. (AFP)