The White House reiterated US President Joe Biden’s remark on Monday, after Biden stated that the US was prepared to use military force to defend Taiwan if necessary.
The president has just stated that the United States will continue to “give Taiwan with the military capabilities to protect itself,” according to a White House official, adding that the president’s remarks do not represent any changes in Washington’s policy toward Taiwan or China.
The announcement came after Beijing warned that it would take all necessary measures to defend its territorial integrity, urging Washington not to “underestimate” the Chinese people’s resolve. Earlier in the day, Joe Biden stated that Washington would intervene militarily in the event of a conflict between China and Taiwan, calling it America’s “commitment.”
The US does not have formal diplomatic connections with Taiwan, but it does maintain close military cooperation with the island, which has long been a source of contention in US-China relations.