Joe Biden shifts US policy for Taiwan
Overshadowed by US President Joe Biden’s headline-grabbing vow that US forces would defend Taiwan from Chinese attack, he hinted at a possible change in US policy to support the island’s right to self-determination.
Although the White House has struggled to say that Biden’s most explicit statement yet in defense of the island claimed by China, made during an interview broadcast on Sunday, meant no change in policy, some analysts say it could – intentionally or unintentionally – undermine the US position of not commenting on Taiwan independence.
Chinese leader Xi Jinping has long vowed to bring Taiwan under Beijing’s control and has not ruled out the use of force. Taiwan, ruled by Democrats, strongly rejects China’s claims, but says it does not need to declare independence because it is already an independent country.
US officials, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, have stressed this year that the United States does not support Taiwan independence. Their assurances are part of a non-binding policy doggedly pursued for decades to deter Beijing from an unprovoked attack and persuade Taiwan not to make a formal declaration of independence. In Washington parlance, this is called “double deterrence.”
But Biden told CBS 60 Minutes that while he didn’t encourage the move, such a decision was up to Taiwan.
“Taiwan makes its own judgments about its independence. We do not encourage them to be independent. It’s his choice”, Biden said.
Joe Biden shifts US policy for Taiwan
Critics of the president say China will see his comments as unspoken support for a declaration of independence, a red line for Beijing. They also say Biden’s comments are more likely to exacerbate hostilities than blatant defense promises, as Beijing likely already assumes Washington will defend Taiwan.
