Washington / Taipei / Beijing – China cautioned of no compromise on the Taiwan issue. US President Joe Biden had said that the United States would defend Taiwan if China attacked it. China has been reacting strongly thereon. The White House released in a statement that the President has not mentioned any change in the policy. Taiwan has welcomed Biden’s statement.
‘Taiwan is an integral part of China. The Taiwan question is purely China’s internal affairs that allow no foreign interference. When it comes to issues related to China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and other core interests, there is no room for China to compromise or make concessions,’ said Wang Wenbin, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman. A few days ago, Chinese President Xi Jinping had made an aggressive statement that there would be complete reunification with Taiwan. In virtue of this, the role of US President Biden seeks attention.
President Biden was questioned on China’s attack on Taiwan in a town hall programme hosted by CNN on Thursday. Biden was asked whether the United States would defend Taiwan if China attacked. ‘Yes, we commit to that,’ Biden responded. CNN reported that Biden made the remarks twice during the programme.
The US policy of Taiwan is known as ‘strategic ambiguity’. However, analysts claim that Biden’s remarks signal ‘strategic clarity’. The US had recognized China’s ‘One China Principle‘ and acknowledged the claim that Taiwan is part of China. Thus, if the US administration adopts the policy soon, analysts say it may be a big shock for China. However, a statement from the White House stated that this is unlikely to happen.
Clarifying Biden’s remarks, White House officials noted that there had been no change in policy towards Taiwan. ‘The US defense relationship with Taiwan is guided by the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA). We will uphold our commitment under the Act, we will continue to support Taiwan’s self-defense, and we will continue to oppose any unilateral changes to the status quo,’ officials said.
Taiwan has welcomed the US President’s statement. While thanking Biden, the Taiwanese government will do its utmost to defend itself, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
Meanwhile, United Kingdom warns that any movements by China against Taiwan would be dangerous and could convert into a war. UK’s Secretary of State for Defense, Ben Wallace, made this statement at a NATO meeting. ‘The ongoing incursions into Taiwan’s air defense zones by China are very dangerous. While Western countries are focusing more on the Indo-Pacific region, it would be foolish of China to try and demonstrate military capabilities in the region now. China’s activities could erupt war in the nearby disputable areas alongside the region,’ Wallace said.
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