US President Joe Biden says that the United States would defend Taiwan in the event of a Chinese attack. That came Thursday during a town hall meeting held in Baltimore.
Asked by CNN host Anderson Cooper whether the US would come to Taiwan’s aid in the face of an attack from Beijing, Biden said “Yes, we have a commitment to do that”.
Biden said there is no need to worry about US military strength, and that China and Russia are aware that the US has “the most powerful military in the history of the world”.
However, he said "What you do have to worry about is whether or not they're going to engage in activities that will put them in a position where they may make a serious mistake”.
He also said “I don't want a cold war with China. I just want to make China understand that we are not going to step back.”
A White House spokesperson later said that Biden’s remarks do not mean a change in US policy towards Taiwan.
Taiwan’s foreign ministry has thanked Biden for reiterating the United States’ commitment to Taiwan. It says that Taiwan will continue strengthening its self-defense capabilities and keep deepening cooperation with nations that share its values.
Presidential Office Spokesperson Xavier Chang, meanwhile, said that the United States has continued to demonstrate support for Taiwan since Biden took office. Chang said that Taiwan’s position remains unchanged: it will not bow to pressure, but will also avoid any rash action.
Chang said that Taiwan will demonstrate its determination to defend itself while contributing to stability and peace in the surrounding region and the Taiwan Strait.