Biden Criticizes China's Pressure on Taiwan for Two Consecutive Days

Sequential Criticism at ASEAN Summit and East Asia Summit

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] U.S. President Joe Biden expressed concerns about China’s threat to the international order during consecutive meetings with Asian leaders. President Biden is expected to actively counter China at the upcoming G20 summit and the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) this weekend.

The Washington Post reported on the 27th (local time) that during the East Asia Summit (EAS), which Biden attended virtually, he stated that China’s recent actions in the Taiwan Strait have been coercive and have undermined peace and stability in the region.

The White House also conveyed that President Biden reaffirmed the United States’ ongoing commitment to the Indo-Pacific region and presented a vision of pursuing an open, prosperous, and secure area.

The White House stated that President Biden reaffirmed America’s commitment to the international rules-based order and expressed concerns about threats to that order, emphasizing that the U.S. will continue to stand with allies and partners who support democracy, human rights, the rule of law, and freedom of navigation.

The EAS included 18 countries such as ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), South Korea, the United States, China, and Japan.

President Biden also expressed deep concern about China’s coercive behavior in the Taiwan Strait during a virtual meeting with ASEAN leaders the previous day.

The Washington Post cited Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reporting that although Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida did not directly mention China, he expressed serious concerns about challenges to a free and open maritime order in the East China Sea and the South China Sea.

President Biden is expected to maintain a tough stance on China at the G20 summit in Rome. NBC News forecasted that Biden will uphold a firm position against China at the G20, anticipating that the Biden administration’s China policy will face a significant test.