Biden Reaffirms the US Would Defend Taiwan if China Attacks
In an interview with 60 Minutes that aired Sun., Pres. Biden vowed the U.S. would defend Taiwan in the case of an “unprecedented attack” by China, including by sending American troops.
Facts
- In an interview with 60 Minutes that aired Sun., Pres. Biden vowed the U.S. would defend Taiwan in the case of an “unprecedented attack” by China, including by sending American troops.
- However, a White House official backtracked these remarks, claiming that the U.S. "strategic ambiguity" on deploying troops to defend Taiwan hasn't changed.
- Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, U.S. fears that Beijing could potentially attack Taiwan have generally increased. Last week, the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee advanced a bill to expand support to Taiwan and designate it a non-NATO ally.
- Tensions have ratcheted up between China and the U.S. over Taiwan, especially since Aug., when U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taipei under criticism from Beijing. In response, China expanded military exercises near Taiwan, sanctioned Pelosi, and halted talks with the U.S.
- Chinese Embassy spokesperson Liu Pengyu took to social media to voice displeasure with Biden’s comments, arguing that his words may send the “wrong signals" to Taiwan, put China-U.S. relations in jeopardy, and endanger peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.
- This isn’t the first time Biden has used this phrasing about Taiwan. Biden had already committed twice to militarily defend the island, but the White House walked those comments back as well.
Sources: CBS, New York Post, FOX News, Washington Post, and CNBC.
Narratives
- Establishment-critical narrative, as provided by Anti War. Biden once understood the subtleties of U.S.-Taiwan-China dynamics, but now he seems to be itching for a fight. Despite the White House walking back the president’s words, Beijing has no choice but to look at the rhetoric and action Congress is taking, and assume the U.S. is escalating. These tensions were avoidable.
- Establishment-critical narrative, as provided by CNN. Biden's words send a strong message about global democracy to authoritarians worldwide. It’s China who has been saber-rattling over Taiwan, possibly because the PRC is inspired by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. So while Biden’s words don’t change "official" US policy on Taiwan, they show a willingness to tighten the bond while sending a strong message to US allies.
