In response to US Vice President Joe Biden’s remarks that US soldiers would protect Taiwan in the case of an invasion, Beijing on Monday warned Washington not to mistake China’s resolve to protect its sovereignty.
According to Mao Ning, a spokeswoman for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, China has officially complained to the US because Mr. Biden’s remarks convey a “very erroneous signal” to Taiwanese separatist groups.
At a routine press briefing, Ms. Mao stated that China was “extremely displeased and steadfastly opposed” to Mr. Biden’s remarks.
“We are prepared to make the most sincere and sincere efforts to achieve a peaceful reunion. At the same time, we reserve the right to take whatever necessary action and will not accept any behavior that is directed toward secession,” she added.
China considers Taiwan to be a renegade province and has not ruled out using force to reunite with the autonomous island.
The People’s Republic of China is the only legitimate government of China, according to Ms. Mao, and Taiwan is a part of that country as well.
Remarks made by Mr. Biden during an interview on CBS’ TV show 60 Minutes, which was aired on Sunday, prompted China’s vehement censure.
When asked if the US military would protect Taiwan, Mr. Biden responded, “Yes, if there were an unprecedented attack.”
When asked if this meant the US would send its military, including men and women, to defend Taiwan from a Chinese invasion, Mr. Biden once more responded in the affirmative.
In the interview, Mr. Biden deviated for the fourth time from the long-standing US policy of “strategic ambiguity” on Taiwan, in which the US does not explicitly state whether it would use military force in the event of an invasion of Taiwan.
However, this is the first time Mr. Biden has specifically mentioned placing American troops on the ground in the event that Taiwan is invaded.
Later, a spokeswoman for the White House claimed that Taiwan’s position remains unchanged under US policy.
“The President has previously stated this, most recently earlier this year in Tokyo. He also made it clear at the time that our policy toward Taiwan hasn’t changed. That still holds true, according to the White House spokeswoman.
After US Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan last month, Mr. Biden’s remarks come at a contentious time across the Taiwan Strait.
It spurred China to carry out first-of-their-kind military drills near the island, which included firing ballistic missiles over Taiwan.
According to Chinese analysts, the US President’s frequent statements about whether the US will defend Taiwan have significantly reduced the country’s “strategic ambiguity.”
Liu Xiangping, a cross-strait expert at Nanjing University, claimed that Mr. Biden’s remarks were a more serious provocation than Mrs. Pelosi’s visit and that they pose a danger to the stability of the situation on the other side of the Taiwan Strait.
What is he trying to say here? Does he mean that he would support Taiwan if (Taiwanese President) Tsai Ing-wen declared independence and the mainland sent in its troops? Professor Liu said.
“The situation in the Taiwan Strait will become very hazardous if Biden does not act with clarity on the matter of Taiwan independence on this question of China’s sovereignty, and continues with these provocations.”
The most recent remarks, according to Dr. Qi Dongtao, a research fellow at the East Asian Institute at the National University of Singapore who specializes in cross-strait relations, could also demonstrate that Mr. Biden was “playing the role of an aggressive leader on the Taiwan issue against China” in an effort to win support ahead of the US midterm elections.
But he added that it would also confirm China’s conviction that it must strengthen its military might in order to be able to annex Taiwan by force if the time ever came.
He said Beijing must get ready because it “clearly feels that Washington will continue to increase its support for Taiwan.”
