In the case of a Chinese attack, Taiwan would be defended by the US, according to US Vice President Joe Biden.
When asked by CBS if US forces would protect the island, Vice President Biden responded, “Yes, if there was an unprecedented attack.” The White House responded to the comments by emphasizing that US policy had not changed.
Washington has always maintained a position of “strategic ambiguity”; it neither commits to nor disclaims the possibility of supporting Taiwan.
Off the coast of eastern China, there lies a self-governing island called Taiwan, which Beijing claims is a part of its territory.
Washington has always straddled a fine line in its handling of the situation.
As a cornerstone of its relationship with Beijing, it upholds the One China policy. By adhering to this policy, the US recognizes that there is only one legitimate government in China and establishes diplomatic ties with Beijing as opposed to Taiwan.
The Taiwan Relations Act, which mandates that the US furnish the island with the ability to defend itself, also mandates that it maintain close ties with Taiwan and sell weaponry to it.
Taiwan welcomed the “US government’s rock-solid security commitment to Taiwan” in response to Mr. Biden’s words from Monday. With Washington, Taipei said it would continue to strengthen its “tight security collaboration.”
Recently, the US decided to sell Taiwan $1.1 billion (£955 million) in weapons and missile defense, infuriating China.
Beijing has not yet commented on Mr. Biden’s most recent statements, which were made during an interview on Sunday. China, though, has already denounced Mr. Biden’s military action-promising remarks. President Biden has deviated from the official line three times since October of last year.
However, Mr. Biden reaffirmed that the US was not promoting Taiwan’s independence in the interview on Sunday.
“There is a “One China” policy, and Taiwan decides for itself whether or not to declare independence. We are not moving and we are not promoting their independence since that is their choice “explained he.
After US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s contentious trip to the island in August, which Mr. Biden had called “not a good idea,” tensions between the US and China have increased.
A five-day military blockade around Taiwan was Beijing’s response. China has not confirmed the US claim that it fired missiles over the island. The missiles China fired, according to Taiwan, went high into the atmosphere and presented no threat.
