U.S. forces would defend Taiwan in the event of a Chinese invasion: Joe Biden

In an interview with CBS 60 Minutes, American President Joe Biden vowed to defend Taiwan if the Chinese decided to invade the island.

When asked on whether the US would come to the aid of Taiwan, he replied: “Yes, if in fact, there was an unprecedented attack.”

Asked to comment, a White House spokesperson said U.S. policy towards Taiwan had not changed.

“The President has said this before, including in Tokyo earlier this year. He also made clear then that our Taiwan policy hasn’t changed. That remains true,” the spokesperson said.

Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry expressed gratitude to Biden for reiterating the “U.S. government’s rock-solid security commitment to Taiwan”.

In the 60 Minutes interview, Biden reaffirmed that the United States was still committed to the “One-China” policy, under which Beijing, not Taipei, is the official recognised capital of China. He also stated that the US was not advocating for Taiwan’s independence.

“We are not moving, we are not encouraging their being independent … that’s their decision,” he said.

The use of force has not been ruled out by Chinese President Xi Jinping in his commitment to annex Taiwan. Taiwan vehemently rejects China’s claims to sovereignty.

The US rhetoric against China has become much more hostile and their stance has got stronger since House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited the island and China responded by conducting live-fire drills around Taiwan, threatening an invasion.