U.S. President Biden underscores solid stand against Taiwan secession
The Biden administration continues to maintain a delicate balance in its approach towards Taiwan, strengthening the island's defense and democratic status while advocating for cross-strait peace and stability.
In a shift from the past, President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken have made forceful statements about defending Taiwan militarily in case of a Chinese invasion, yet officially, the policy remains unchanged. The U.S. commitment to assist Taiwan in self-defense is rooted in the Three Communiqués, the Taiwan Relations Act, and the Six Assurances, which avoid endorsing independence explicitly.
This strategic clarity on defense does not equate to overt support for Taiwanese independence. The U.S. has expanded military cooperation with Taiwan through joint naval exercises, permanent deployment of Special Forces on Taiwanese outlying islands, and approved arms sales worth millions of dollars to enhance Taiwan’s defense capabilities. A supplemental bill signed by Biden provides up to $2 billion in Foreign Military Financing for Taiwan to buy U.S. weapons.
Secretary Blinken's recent remarks support cross-strait peace and stability, a message Taiwan appreciates. The U.S. aims to prevent escalation and maintain a peaceful status quo in the Taiwan Strait.
Simultaneously, U.S.–China diplomatic engagements continue. Blinken’s visit to Beijing reflects an effort to maintain stable communication channels with China amid tensions, signaling the U.S. preference for managing rivalry without conflict escalation.
The Biden administration navigates sensitive diplomatic gestures, such as limiting Taiwanese officials' visits to the U.S. due to Chinese objections and sanctioning Taiwanese companies involved in activities counter to U.S. foreign policy interests.
Taiwan, a democratic success story since its first direct presidential election in 1996, recently saw the reelection of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and the inauguration of Lai Ching-te as its presidential candidate. Biden's comments seem aimed at assuring Beijing, especially after his earlier remarks indicating potential U.S. defense of the island.
Lai Ching-te firmly rejected Beijing's influence and vowed to confront Beijing while seeking dialogue. Despite concerns in Beijing over the possibility of Lai declaring the establishment of a Republic of Taiwan, Lai has explicitly ruled out such a move.
The U.S. maintains unofficial ties with Taiwan and remains a key supporter and arms supplier. Washington issued a warning just before the polls opened, stating that it would be "unacceptable" for any country to interfere in the election process.
Biden clarified that the U.S. does not endorse the independence of Taiwan, reaffirming the long-standing U.S. policy. Blinken emphasized the U.S. commitment to maintaining cross-strait peace and stability through peaceful resolution, free from coercion.
Biden plans to send an unofficial delegation to Taiwan, possibly including former high-ranking American officials. The Biden administration seeks to avoid escalating tensions with China while assuring Taiwan of its support.
In the nuanced political landscape, the Biden administration is navigating both the U.S.'s military commitment to aid Taiwan in self-defense and the need for cross-strait peace and stability, as evidenced by policy-and-legislation, politics, general-news, and war-and-conflicts discussions. This delicate approach involves maintaining unofficial ties with Taiwan, expanding military cooperation, and providing financial aid for Taiwan's defense capabilities, while simultaneously engaging in diplomatic talks with China to prevent conflict escalation.
