President Joe Biden said on Monday that if China invades Taiwan, the US would engage militarily, saying that the obligation to protect Taiwan has become “far higher” in the aftermath of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Biden’s comments seemed to stray from the existing US strategy of so-called strategic ambiguity on its stance on the self-governed island that China considers its territory and claims to be the most sensitive and critical issue in its ties with the US.
US President Joe Biden supports Taiwan.
During a press appearance in Tokyo, Biden was asked whether he was prepared to get involved militarily to protect Taiwan if China invaded. He responded “absolutely.”
Biden stated:
“That’s the promise we made… We support a one-China policy. We’ve signed on to it, and all of the planned agreements have been made as a result. But the notion that it may be seized by force is just not suitable.”
The US has typically avoided offering such clear security assurances to Taiwan, with which it no longer has a mutual defense treaty, instead of following a strategy of “strategic ambiguity” about how far it would be willing to go if China attacked. According to a White House source, Biden’s words do not signal a change in policy. China has upped its military provocations against democratic Taiwan in recent years in an attempt to terrify it into accepting Beijing’s demands for unification with the communist mainland.
However, under the “One China” policy, the US recognizes Beijing as China’s government and has no diplomatic relations with Taiwan. Iden made the statements just before the long-awaited Indo-Pacific trade accord, which excludes Taiwan. Taiwan is not a signatory to the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, according to White House national security advisor Jake Sullivan. The framework enables the United States to collaborate more closely with key Asian economies on issues such as supply chains, digital commerce, sustainable energy, and anti-corruption.
China’s response to US President Joe Biden’s remarks on Taiwan
Following US Vice President Joe Biden’s commitment to protecting Taiwan militarily if China invaded, Beijing replied on Monday, warning “no one should underestimate China.” The Communist Party of China has never controlled self-ruled Taiwan, but it considers it part of its territory and has pledged to reclaim it one day, using force if necessary. China’s Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, expressed great discontent with Biden’s statements on the Taiwan issue, saying:
“There is no place for compromise when it comes to China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.” “No one should underestimate the Chinese people’s resolve,” Wang said, adding that China will always protect its interests with the force of its 1.4 billion people.
Solomon Islands police and authorities prepare for the visit by China’s foreign minister, Wang Yi…but Honiara isn’t the only stop. Check out this story from my colleagues @stephendziedzic & @marianfaa#Pacific #Geopolitics #PacificBeat https://t.co/lY1er8VRZX
— Evan Wasuka (@WasukaEvan) May 23, 2022
