Taiwan President: "If China Invades, the US Will Defend"...First Acknowledgment of US Troop Presence

CNN Interview... "Abandon the Delusion That Taiwan Will Succumb to China"
"The Entire Nation Strives to Protect Democracy... Support Needed from Democratic Countries Like Korea"

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen [Photo by AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suhwan] Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen stated that there is a belief that the United States will defend Taiwan if China invades the island.

Notably, President Tsai officially acknowledged the presence of U.S. troops in Taiwan, becoming the first Taiwanese leader to do so since the withdrawal of U.S. forces in 1979.

On the 27th (local time), President Tsai conveyed this in an interview with CNN, emphasizing, "We are engaging in extensive cooperation with the United States to enhance Taiwan's defense capabilities."

In her first interview with a foreign broadcaster in two years, she said she "truly believes" that the U.S. military will assist in defending Taiwan.

President Tsai said, "Our island is home to 23 million people who strive daily to protect our democracy," adding, "If we are defeated, it would raise doubts about whether those who believe in democratic values need to continue upholding them."

She added, "There must never be the delusion that the Taiwanese people will succumb to (China's) pressure."

President Tsai also highlighted Taiwan's strategic importance, including its semiconductor supply chain, stating, "We possess geopolitical strategic significance. Regional powers share a common interest in safely protecting the island of Taiwan."

She stressed that if Taiwan faces a military attack, it will respond to the end, emphasizing, "It is important that there are countries supporting us."

These remarks by President Tsai came just six days after U.S. President Joe Biden said on the 21st that the United States is prepared to defend Taiwan if China invades, which provoked a backlash from China.

The United States, under the Taiwan Relations Act, provides Taiwan with means of self-defense and has grounds to offer military support to Taiwan in emergencies.

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

However, the U.S. has maintained 'strategic ambiguity' by not clearly stating whether it would militarily intervene if China invades Taiwan, aiming to deter Chinese provocations.

Chinese President Xi Jinping reiterated his commitment to pursuing "peaceful reunification" with Taiwan in a speech on the 8th. Nevertheless, China has expressed willingness to use military force against Taiwan if necessary.

On the same day, a spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council of China stated, "The Chinese government has the right to use force to promote reunification."

Meanwhile, President Tsai unusually confirmed that U.S. troops are currently stationed in Taiwan to assist the Taiwanese military.

Although she did not specify the number of U.S. troops, she acknowledged their presence, saying, "The number is not as large as people might think."

CNN explained that President Tsai is the first Taiwanese president in decades to confirm the presence of U.S. troops.

The United States officially withdrew its troops from Taiwan in 1979 when it established formal diplomatic relations with China.

However, amid deteriorating U.S.-China relations recently, some media outlets have reported indications of U.S. troops stationed in Taiwan.

Additionally, President Tsai called on regional democratic countries such as South Korea, Japan, and Australia to support Taiwan.

She said, "When authoritarian regimes pursue external expansionist policies, democratic countries must unite to oppose them," adding, "Taiwan is at the forefront of this."

Last December, Taiwan began constructing eight submarines developed with its own technology, and in August, it announced plans to invest $1.4 billion to acquire new fighter jets including F-16s.

While Taiwan is enhancing its military capabilities and seeking U.S. support, it is also keeping the door open for dialogue with China.

President Tsai emphasized, "I hope Chairman Xi will engage more with our government," adding, "Dialogue with China is a way to clear misunderstandings and prevent misjudgments in bilateral relations."

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]