US President Joe Biden said at a press conference after the Japan-US summit that he would be militaryly involved in the defense of Taiwan if China tried to unify Taiwan by force.
By not clarifying the response to Taiwan in advance, it is widely accepted that it is a statement that goes beyond the strategy of deterring China's actions.
President Biden said at a joint press conference held after the Japan-US summit meeting at the guesthouse in Minato-ku, Tokyo on the afternoon of the 23rd, when a reporter asked what to do in the event of a Taiwan emergency, "The policy on Taiwan has not changed at all. We support peace and stability over the Taiwan Strait and will continue to work to ensure that the status quo does not change unilaterally. "
On the other hand, when the reporter asked again if he was ready to be involved in the military for the defense of Taiwan, he answered, "Yes, that is our determination."
He added, "We agree with'One China Policy', but the idea of being robbed by force is not entirely appropriate. It has destabilized the entire region and is in a situation similar to what happened in Ukraine. "It will be," he said, expressing his intention to be involved in the military for the defense of Taiwan.
The United States has adopted a strategy called "fuzzy strategy" that deters China's actions by not clarifying in advance what to do when China tries to unify Taiwan by making full use of its military power over Taiwan. However, there is widespread acceptance that President Byden's remarks are a step beyond this strategy.
White House "American policy hasn't changed"
In response to President Biden's press conference over Taiwan, the White House made a statement, emphasizing that "US policy has not changed."
In a statement, "In his remarks, President Biden reiterated one China policy and his determination for peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. Providing Taiwan with military means for self-defense under Taiwan-related laws. I reiterated my promise to do so, "he said, following the conventional policy.
The White House statement extinguished that the US government's strategy, also known as the "ambiguous strategy," did not change in advance, as it did not clarify in advance what China would do when it tried to unify Taiwan by making full use of its military power. is.
Taiwan Ministry of Foreign Affairs "Welcome and thanks to the US President and the White House"
Following President Biden's remarks and the White House's statement, the Taiwan Ministry of Foreign Affairs made comments.
In it, "I would like to express my heartfelt welcome and gratitude to President Biden and the US government for reiterating their commitment to Taiwan. Taiwan will continue to improve its self-defense and cooperate with countries with similar philosophies such as the United States and Japan. By deepening the situation, we will protect the security of the Taiwan Strait and the international order based on the rules. "
China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs "expresses strong dissatisfaction and decisive opposition"
Regarding President Biden's remarks over Taiwan, China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said in a press conference on the 23rd, "Taiwan is an integral part of China's territory and is China's internal affairs. It does not allow the interference of any external forces. I express strong dissatisfaction and decisive opposition. "
He said, "The United States refrains from saying and acting on the Taiwan issue and urges Taiwan independence to not send false signals." He said that he would take decisive action to protect his sovereignty and security interests. I emphasized.
In addition, at a joint press conference after the Japan-US summit meeting, while naming China, he announced that he strongly opposes attempts to change the status quo against the background of power in the East China Sea and the South China Sea. I strongly oppose interfering with domestic affairs by making a fuss about the problem and damaging the image of China. "
He added, "The so-called threatening and deterrent policy of the United States has already confused Europe and should not bring disaster to the Asia-Pacific."
President Biden Ripples in the past with remarks over Taiwan
President Biden's ripples have spread and the White House has been forced to extinguish the fire by making at least two statements that are perceived as incompatible with the US policy over Taiwan.
Of these, in an interview with American Broadcasting Company in August last year, "If there is an invasion of NATO = members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, there is a sacred obligation of Article 5 to counter it. This is the same for Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. "
Also, when he appeared on CNN TV in the United States last October, he was asked twice, "If China attacks Taiwan, is the United States ready to protect Taiwan?" There is such a promise. "
After both remarks, the White House was forced to put out the fire, emphasizing that "there is no change in American policy."