Biden’s hollow promise to Taiwan regarding defense against China.
With less than two months to go since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan following the hasty flight of US troops from the country, Washington politicians seem to have forgotten about the defeat, this time in defense of Taiwan.
US President Joe Biden told Southeast Asian countries Wednesday evening (local time) that Washington would stand by them in defending freedom of navigation at sea and democracy, and described China’s actions against Taiwan as “coercive” and a threat to peace. And read stability.
According to Reuters, Biden said at an East Asia Virtual Summit attended by Chinese Premier Li Kohchiang that Washington would talk to its Pacific partners about developing a regional economic framework.
“We are deeply concerned about China’s coercive actions, which threaten peace and stability in the region,” he said, noting that the United States has a “firm” commitment to Taiwan.
“In Myanmar, we must address the tragedy of a military coup that is increasingly undermining regional stability,” he said, calling for the release of political prisoners and Myanmar’s return to democracy.
Asked last week whether Washington would defend Taiwan against Chinese pressure, Biden said the United States was committed to doing so.
According to Reuters, while the United States is required by its domestic law to equip Taiwan with the equipment it needs to defend itself, Washington has long pursued a policy of “strategic ambiguity” over whether China would attack Taiwan. It was not clear whether they would intervene militarily.
Beijing considers Taiwan a part of China, and considers US moves and arms sales to Taiwan a violation of its sovereignty and contrary to the “one China” policy. However, the United States is effectively supporting the island by sending ships to the Strait of Taiwan and providing military assistance to Taiwan, and Beijing has repeatedly objected to this. However, UN member states, including the United States itself, do not recognize Taiwan as an independent state.
