US Weighs Military Options for Taiwan Defense, Says Biden
US President Joe Biden, in a Time magazine interview, did not exclude the possibility of using American military force to defend Taiwan if China were to invade. Clarifying his position on Taiwan’s defense, Biden distinguished between different types of military deployments, as per ANI. “Not ruling out using US military force. There’s a distinction between deploying on the ground, air power and naval power,” he said in the interview conducted at the White House on May 28. He also conveyed to Chinese President Xi Jinping that while the US does not aim for Taiwan’s independence, it will support Taiwan’s defense capabilities. “If China tries to change the status quo unilaterally, we’re continuing to supply capacity [to Taiwan],” Biden noted, adding that the US has consulted with its allies in the region.
When questioned about the US launching strikes from bases in Japan or the Philippines, Biden responded, “I can’t get into that. You would then criticise me with good reason if I were to tell you.” The Time article also mentioned CIA Director William Burns’ revelation that Xi had ordered his military to prepare for an invasion of Taiwan by 2027. Despite efforts by Biden and Xi to reduce tensions, the US-China relationship remains tense over Taiwan.
Beijing views Taiwan’s new President, Lai Ching-te, as a “separatist,” which has escalated tensions. After Lai’s inauguration on May 20, China conducted military drills around Taiwan, labeling them as punitive actions against separatism. Lai’s call for an end to Beijing’s intimidation during his inaugural speech further strained relations. The US, while maintaining unofficial relations with Taiwan, continues to supply arms to the island for defense. Biden criticized China’s economic initiatives, including the Belt and Road Initiative, calling it a “nuisance graveyard initiative.” He emphasized enhancing cooperation with European and Asian allies and strengthening ties with developing nations to uphold US leadership globally.
During a trilateral meeting in Singapore on June 2, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin, Japan’s Minister of Defense Kihara Minoru, and South Korea’s Minister of National Defence Shin Won-sik reaffirmed their stance on Taiwan, advocating for a peaceful resolution to cross-strait issues. They underscored regional peace as vital for international security. Austin also met with his Chinese counterpart, Dong Jun, to express concerns about China’s military activities near Taiwan. Additionally, the US House Appropriations Committee has introduced a bill to provide USD 500 million in military financing for Taiwan and up to USD 2 billion in loans to strengthen deterrence across the Taiwan Strait.
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