China Launches Fierce Offensive Over Biden's Remarks Controversy

China says diplomatic relations may become impossible after Biden mentions military intervention in Taiwan
China strongly reacts as if waiting for Biden's Asia tour, which it disapproves of

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Jo Young-shin] China is strongly protesting against U.S. President Joe Biden's remarks on military intervention in Taiwan.

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

U.S. officials, including Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, have tried to calm the situation by reaffirming that the U.S. policy of "One China" remains unchanged, but China has responded harshly, even suggesting the possibility of ending diplomatic relations. China, already displeased with Biden's itinerary in South Korea and Japan, expressed its long-suppressed grievances without restraint following the mention of military intervention.

On the 24th, Chinese state media such as Xinhua News Agency and Global Times focused on Biden's statement during a press conference after a summit with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, where he said that if the Chinese mainland invades Taiwan by force, the U.S. would militarily intervene.

On that day, when asked whether the U.S. would militarily intervene to defend Taiwan, President Biden answered "Yes." He added, "That is our commitment."

Prime Minister Kishida also supported Biden, saying, "Attempts to unilaterally change the status quo, like in Ukraine, must never be tolerated in the Indo-Pacific region."

The Chinese government immediately responded to Biden's simple "Yes." The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated that the People's Republic of China is the sole legitimate government representing all of China and emphasized that Taiwan is part of China. It stated, "China will not compromise on issues related to sovereignty, territorial integrity, and core interests (Taiwan)," and urged, "The U.S. must abide by the Sino-U.S. joint communiques agreed upon with China." It also warned not to underestimate the strong resolve, firm will, and powerful capability of the 1.4 billion Chinese people.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council of China added, "The One China principle is the political foundation of Sino-U.S. relations," and condemned the U.S., saying, "Stop the reckless game of using Taiwan to contain China immediately." It also targeted Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party, warning that if it continues to seek independence relying on the U.S., the outcome will not be good.

Within China, there is analysis that Biden's mention of military intervention is not a mistake but a dangerous signal that could lead to the withdrawal from the Sino-U.S. joint communiques. It is pointed out that the U.S. strategy on Taiwan is shifting from strategic ambiguity to strategic clarity.

Professor Dawei from Tsinghua University said, "After President Biden stated last October that the U.S. would protect Taiwan if China attacked, White House officials explained that U.S. policy had not changed," and diagnosed, "President Biden is subtly leaving room regarding the Taiwan issue." He warned, "If the Biden administration insists on the Taiwan issue, Sino-U.S. relations will face a crisis like the Titanic hitting an iceberg."

Wang Wenbin, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a briefing regarding Biden's mention of military intervention in Taiwan, stated a very strong official position, saying, "The U.S. has revealed its intention to turn Taiwan into an unsinkable aircraft carrier to contain China," and "If the U.S. does not abide by the One China principle agreed upon with China, China cannot maintain diplomatic relations with the U.S."