US President Joe Biden warned today that if China invaded Taiwan, the US would intervene militarily, adding that the responsibility to safeguard Taiwan is "much stronger" after Russia's invasion of Ukraine. It was one of the most powerful presidential declarations in decades in favour of self-government.
When asked if he was willing to get engaged militarily to defend Taiwan if China invaded, Biden responded "absolutely" at a news conference in Tokyo. He continued, "That's the commitment we made."
The US has typically avoided issuing such an explicit security assurance to Taiwan, with which it has no mutual defence treaty.
The Taiwan Relations Act of 1979, which governs US-Taiwan relations, does not require the US to intervene militarily to defend Taiwan if China invades, but it does make it American policy to ensure Taiwan has the resources to defend itself and to prevent Beijing from unilaterally changing Taiwan's status.
The mainland, which considers Taiwan to be a rogue colony, is sure to respond angrily to Biden's remarks.
Biden's remarks, according to a White House official, do not indicate a policy shift.
In recent years, China has increased its military provocations towards democratic Taiwan in an attempt to scare it into adopting Beijing's demands for unification with the communist mainland.
"They're actually flirting with danger right now by flying so close and undertaking all the manoeuvres," Biden said of China.
The US recognises Beijing as China's government and has no diplomatic connections with Taiwan under the "one China" policy. The US, on the other hand, maintains unofficial contacts, including a de facto embassy in Taipei, Taiwan's capital, and contributes military weapons for the island's defence.
Biden stated that he "expects" China not to attempt a forcible takeover of Taiwan, but added that his opinion "depends on how strong the world makes plain that such action will result in long-term disapproval by the rest of the community."
Follow the latest news on Google News
