Biden Says "Yes" to Military Intervention Question for Defending Taiwan Against 'China Attack'

U.S. President Joe Biden (left) is speaking at a joint press conference after a summit meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Tokyo, Japan, on the 23rd. [Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] U.S. President Joe Biden, who is visiting Japan, stated on the 23rd that the U.S. could militarily intervene to defend Taiwan from an attack by China.

According to Bloomberg News, President Biden answered "Yes" when asked at a joint press conference following a summit with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Tokyo whether the U.S. would militarily intervene if Taiwan were attacked by China.

President Biden said, "We agree with the 'One China' principle and have signed to that effect," but added, "However, the use of force is not appropriate. It would plunge the entire region into chaos and be another action similar to what happened in Ukraine."

This was the first face-to-face summit between President Biden, on his first visit to Japan since taking office, and Prime Minister Kishida, who took office in October last year. The two leaders held a meeting for about 30 minutes from 11 a.m. with only interpreters present, followed by meetings with key officials and then a joint press conference in the afternoon.