Biden clarifies that US policy on Taiwan "has not changed" after saying they would intervene if China invades the island

By Chantal Da Silva -

President Joe Biden insisted Tuesday that there has been no change in US policy on Taiwan, a day after drawing the ire of China by signaling that he would be willing to use military force to defend the self-governing island in the event of an attack. that was invaded by the Asian giant.

Asked if those comments marked the end of the long-standing US approach of "strategic ambiguity" on the issue, Biden said, "No."

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"The policy has not changed at all," he said, after a round of talks in Tokyo with leaders of the Quad, an informal security grouping made up of the United States, Australia, India and Japan that is seen as an effort to counter China. .

"That's what I stated when I made my statement yesterday," Biden reiterated.

But the last day of Biden's first trip to Asia as president was somewhat overshadowed by confusion over his comments on Taiwan the day before.

At a news conference after meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Biden suggested that, unlike Ukraine, the White House would be willing to intervene militarily if China were to invade Taiwan, which China considers its own territory.

The White House quickly backed away from Biden's comments, which would represent a break with decades of US policy on Taiwan.

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But still, they had repercussions in the region, with Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin expressing "strong opposition" to the comments and warning against any support for "Taiwanese" independence.

The four leaders during the Quad Leaders Summit in Kantei, Tokyo, on Tuesday.Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images

In contrast, Taiwan's Foreign Ministry welcomed Biden's remarks, expressing "gratitude" to the US president and government for "reaffirming their strong commitment to Taiwan."

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It is not the first time that Biden has suggested that the United States could come to the defense of Taiwan in the event of an invasion of China, and it was not clear if it was a blunder, a deliberate effort to sow doubts among the leadership of the Asian giant. about American intentions or something else entirely.

Although the White House is required by law to provide Taiwan with defensive weapons, its policy of "strategic ambiguity" deliberately leaves unclear how the United States would respond if Taiwan were attacked.

As Biden faced pressure for clarity, other Quad members were also grilled about their policies toward Taiwan.

Australia's new prime minister, Anthony Albanese, headed to Tokyo just after being sworn in on Monday.

Asked about Biden's comments, he said he could "confirm that there is no change in Australia's position."

“There must be no unilateral change to the status quo.

Our position has not changed,” he stated.

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The prospect of Chinese action against Taiwan has gained renewed attention in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and the war in Europe is also clouding proceedings in Tokyo.

On Tuesday, Biden said the international community was facing a "dark hour in our shared history" while calling for greater efforts to pressure Moscow to end the war.

Kishida said Tuesday that the Russian invasion "shakes the foundations of the international order," according to the Reuters news agency.

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"We must not allow similar things to happen in the Indo-Pacific region," he said.

In a joint statement after Tuesday's summit, Quad leaders vowed to uphold their "steadfast commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific that is inclusive and resilient."

They also appeared to offer a warning to China, without specifically naming Beijing, not to follow in Russia's footsteps.

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“We strongly oppose any coercive, provocative or unilateral action that seeks to change the status quo and increase tensions in the area, such as the militarization of disputed accidents, the dangerous use of coast guard ships and maritime militias, and efforts to disrupt offshore resource exploitation activities of other countries,” the statement said.

India is the only member of the Quad that has not clearly condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine, as it tries to balance its relations with the United States and Russia, one of its most important arms suppliers.

In a bilateral meeting on Tuesday, Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi pledged to provide humanitarian aid to Ukrainians and discussed how to work together to manage the disruption caused by the war, including rising energy prices. and food, according to the White House.