[Asia Economy Reporter Bu Aeri] After U.S. President Joe Biden stated that the United States could militarily intervene to defend Taiwan in the event of a Chinese invasion, China reacted with strong opposition.
On the 23rd, following a summit with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Tokyo, President Biden answered "Yes" when asked at a joint press conference 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 on to it," 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."
Regarding China sending military aircraft around Taiwan as a show of force, President Biden warned that China is "recklessly engaging in dangerous behavior," and stated that the U.S., along with Japan and other countries, will ensure "China cannot use force against Taiwan."
He emphasized, "(A Chinese invasion of Taiwan) would plunge the entire region into chaos and provoke a response similar to the Ukraine situation."
President Biden's remarks on this day appear to be the strongest level of support for Taiwan expressed so far.
After this statement was broadcast live, the White House moved to clarify that U.S. policy toward Taiwan remains unchanged.
A White House official explained, "President Biden reaffirmed the United States' 'One China' policy and its commitment to Taiwan's peace and stability," and "also reaffirmed our commitment under the Taiwan Relations Act to provide military means to defend Taiwan."
The United States bases its provision of self-defense means to Taiwan on the Taiwan Relations Act. However, regarding military intervention in Taiwan, it has maintained a policy of 'strategic ambiguity' to deter Chinese military actions.
Meanwhile, the Chinese government strongly opposed the remarks on the same day, stating, "We express strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition."
Wang Wenbin, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said at a regular briefing, "Taiwan is an inseparable part of Chinese territory, and the Taiwan issue is entirely an internal affair of China, allowing no external interference."
The spokesperson added, "Do not stand on the opposite side of 1.4 billion people," and emphasized, "The United States should be cautious in its words and actions regarding the Taiwan issue, not send wrong signals to Taiwan independence forces, and not cause serious damage to the situation in the Taiwan Strait and U.S.-China relations."
He further stated, "China will definitely take resolute actions to safeguard its sovereignty and security interests," and added, "What we say, we will definitely carry out."
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