Biden Says U.S. Would Defend Taiwan Against China, Prompting Clarification From White House

Topline

President Joe Biden on Thursday said the U.S. is committed to defending Taiwan—which faces mounting military and political pressure from China—prompting a clarification from the White House that U.S. policy towards the island which China claims as a part of its territory hasn’t changed.

Key Facts

When asked if the U.S. would come to the defense of Taiwan, Biden, who was speaking at a CNN town hall event, said, “Yes, we have a commitment to do that.”

Biden’s statement—which is likely to anger Beijing—prompted an immediate clarification from the White House noting that the U.S. policy towards Taiwan had not changed and is still “guided by the Taiwan Relations Act,” Reuters reported.

Under the act, the U.S. is required to help Taiwan bolster its self-defense capabilities but it does not guarantee Washington’s military intervention in case the Chinese military invades the island.

Biden’s statement comes at a time when Taiwan faces increased military pressure from China and faced more than 150 incursions of Chinese military planes into its airspace just in October.

Crucial Quote

Despite concerns about the nature of the country’s recent withdrawal from Afghanistan, Biden said people should not worry about U.S. military strength. “China, Russia and the rest of the world knows we’re the most powerful military in the history of the world...What you do have to worry about is whether or not they’re going to engage in activities that would put them in a position where they may make a serious mistake.”

Key Background

Following the U.S. military’s chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan amid a Taliban takeover of the country, some questions were raised about Washington’s ability and willingness to defend its allies. Biden quickly pushed back against that notion and in an August interview told ABC News the U.S. would always defend key allies, including Taiwan. Biden added that the US made a “sacred commitment” to defend Nato allies in Canada and Europe and it was the “same with Japan, same with South Korea, same with Taiwan.” Following the exit of U.S. forces from Afghanistan, the Biden White House had indicated its geopolitical focus would shift away from the Middle East and towards the Indo-Pacific where it faces a battle of influence with Beijing.

Further Reading

Biden vows to protect Taiwan in event of Chinese attack (CNN)

Joe Biden suggests US would defend Taiwan against China, forcing fresh White House clarification (Guardian)