The White House addressed several remarks President Joe Biden made during CNN town hall on Thursday evening.
On October 21, Thursday, President Joe Biden was featured in a CNN town hall hosted by Anderson Cooper. A participant questioned Biden during the event about how the U.S. military could compete with China’s recent hypersonic missile testing. Questions, whether the U.S. would defend Taiwan from a possible attack from China were also asked.
Biden responded by stating that the U.S. had the “most powerful military” in history. He continued by saying that the military should be concerned about acts that may put them in danger. Biden cleared that he does not desire a “Cold War” with China, but he wants them to understand that the U.S. will not back down and that they will not compromise their stances.
Biden’s response sparked controversy when Cooper asked if the United States would help defend Taiwan if China attacked, in which Biden answered “yes.”
Meanwhile, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson responded with Biden’s remark through Global Times, saying that no one should underestimate the Chinese people’s commitment, determination, and competence to preserve national sovereignty and territorial integrity. In addition, the spokesperson issued a warning to the U.S. to be “cautious in words and deeds.”
President Joe Biden during CNN’s town hall on October 21, with Anderson Cooper (Photo: AP/Evan Vucci)
Taiwan Relations Act
On Friday, The White House clarified President Biden’s remarks through Fox News. White House spokesperson said that there is no policy change and that the Taiwan Relations Act still guides the U.S. defense relationship with Taiwan. Furthermore, the spokesperson said that the U.S. would uphold its commitment under the Act and will continue supporting Taiwan’s self-defense.
The Taiwan Relations Act does not commit that the United States take military action if China strikes Taiwan. However, the Act states that the United States “will make available to Taiwan such defense articles and defense services in such quantity as may be necessary to enable Taiwan to maintain self-sufficient defense capabilities.”
RELATED ARTICLE: President Joe Biden To Exclude Tuition-Free Community College; $3.5 Trillion Spending Bill Reduced
