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The Biden administration has voiced its support for Taiwan following Beijing’s latest act of “intimidation”.
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The US Department of State has reaffirmed its support for Taiwanese independence after Chinese warplanes, which included 12 fighter jets, entered Taiwan’s southwestern air defence verification zone (ADIZ) for the second time under the Biden administration.
“The United States notes with concern the pattern of ongoing PRC attempts to intimidate its neighbours, including Taiwan,” a spokesperson said.
“We urge Beijing to cease its military, diplomatic, and economic pressure against Taiwan and instead engage in meaningful dialogue with Taiwan’s democratically elected representatives.”
The Biden administration stressed it would advance “shared prosperity, security and values” in the Indo-Pacific region, including a “deepening of ties with democratic Taiwan”.
“The United States will continue to support a peaceful resolution of cross-strait issues, consistent with the wishes and best interests of the people on Taiwan,” the spokesperson added.
“The United States maintains its longstanding commitments as outlined in the Three Communiqués, the Taiwan Relations Act, and the Six Assurances. We will continue to assist Taiwan in maintaining a sufficient self-defence capability.
“Our commitment to Taiwan is rock-solid and contributes to the maintenance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and within the region.”
This marks the Biden administration’s first official condemnation of Beijing after assuming office on 20 January, and follows on from the former Trump administration’s ramp up of support for Taiwan in recent months.
Earlier this month, former secretary of state Mike Pompeo scrapped long-standing restrictions regulating diplomatic relations between the US and Taiwan.
Pompeo said the “self-imposed” restrictions undermined US sovereignty, “appeasing” the Chinese communist regime to the detriment of an allied democracy.
This move followed the Defense Security Cooperation Agency’s (DSCA) approval of almost $2.7 billion in arms to Taiwan in late 2020.
[Related: ‘Self-imposed’ restrictions on US-Taiwan relations scrapped]
