US-China Friction Has Re-emerged Over Taiwan
Taiwan has just entered an unprecedented crisis due to U.S. President Joe Biden’s volatile approach to the issue. It has been humiliating to watch Biden touch the two extremes of Taiwan policy over a short period.
U.S. President made a dangerous statement in May. According to Biden, he would be open to ‘getting involved militarily to defend Taiwan.’ That was Biden’s gaffe asserting: ‘That’s what we promised.’ The U.S. has rendered informal help to Taiwan since 1979 in preparation for a potential invasion by the Chinese.
The comments Biden made then risked a confrontation between Washington and Beijing. White House officials had to clarify later that U.S. policy remained the same. Even so, Biden has increased Taiwan’s vulnerability. Instead of getting involved militarily and defending an island nation, Biden doesn’t commit to it.
While growing concerns about Taiwan’s fate in the US, Biden appeared to give in to Beijing’s demands in a phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Biden was forced to submit by Xi Jinping‘s threats.
Biden’s Abject Surrender
As a result of recent developments, Taiwan has once again been a source of friction between China and the U.S. There were rumors that Nancy Pelosi would visit Taiwan in August. This would not be the first time Newt Gingrich had visited the self-ruled island since 1997. The past 25 years have also seen many changes.
The China of 2022 is a much different country from that of 1997. As well as expressing a greater willingness to use military force for the ‘reunification’ of Taiwan with mainland China, its leadership has become more sensitive to the issue of Taiwan. Under Joe Biden’s watch, China-US trade has flourished in the twenty-first century, mainly due to the generosity of Western leaders.
Beijing responded with sharp and nasty remarks after Pelosi’s rumored trip to the self-governed island. The Chinese Foreign Ministry gave a careless response. Regardless of whether the U.S. insists on going down the wrong path, China will take resolute and forceful measures to defend its national sovereignty and territorial integrity vigorously.
The Foreign Ministry further stated, ‘The United States must bear full responsibility for the consequences. As hawkish Chinese journalist, Hu Xijin put it, ‘If the U.S. cannot restrain her, let China restrain and punish her.’ He added, ‘(The Chinese) Air Force will surely make her visit a disgrace to herself and the U.S.’
A former CCP affiliate threatened the Biden administration. In the face of such over-the-top threats, a military power like the U.S. could not back down. The U.S. Congress showed some bipartisan unity for a change, with Democrats and Republicans supporting House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on her Taiwan trip.
However, Biden’s viewpoint does not seem to match the perspective of the majority of Americans. Behind the scenes, the Biden administration worked to stop Pelosi from visiting the self-ruled island. After the Pentagon canceled Pelosi‘s high-profile visit, Biden seemed to slap the Pentagon on the shoulder.
American military officials even think that she shouldn’t visit Taiwan at this time, he said. For her part, Pelosi clarified that the President had expressed concern about the possibility of my plane being shot down. It’s hard to say precisely. But Biden’s final act seems to give Taiwan to China with ease.
How Biden Abandoned Taiwan
Biden seemed to sacrifice Taiwan’s defense while speaking with Pelosi. Two hours and 17 minutes were spent on the phone. In a statement released by the White House, Biden indicated that U.S. policy has not changed, and the U.S. opposes unilateral efforts to undermine peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.
We should manage our differences responsibly and work together where our interests align, according to the statement. The statement made by Beijing, however, seems to be somewhat concerning. Xi emphasized China’s claim to the island in his statement. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated, ‘Those who play with fire will perish by it.’
And the administration responded simply that it managed ‘differences’ and worked together. There can be no doubt that Biden is stating his position unequivocally when he declares Taiwan will be sacrificed. He must realize that will encourage Beijing to come up with invasion plans if he continues to respond poorly to Xi Jinping’s threats.
