Photo via Unsplash by Ian Cumming
The U.S. today reaffirmed its support for Taiwan after China dispatched warplanes near the island.
The action by the Chinese Community party sent a signal to Taiwan meant to coerce it into accepting its rule while at the same time tested the resolve of the Biden administration, reports Republic World.
The U.S. warned that China’s “attempts to intimidate” the island are a threat to regional peace. The U.S. State Department’s spokesperson Ned Price said on Saturday that it “notes with concern the pattern of ongoing PRC attempts to intimidate its neighbors, including Taiwan” and “urges Beijing to cease its military, diplomatic, and economic pressure against Taiwan.”
The New York Post reports eight Chinese nuclear-capable bombers and four fighter jets entered China’s defense zone on Saturday. Republic World reports that Taiwan responded to the situation by sending warnings by radio and activating its air defense missile system.
Taiwan and China separated amid civil war in 1949, but China says it is determined to bring the island under its control. Taiwan, however, has opposed its “one nation, two system’s policy” and asserted that it was an independent and sovereign nation, according to Republic World.
Protecting Taiwan has become a bipartisan issue, especially as China’s threats have ramped up. According to the New York Post, Biden’s nominee for Secretary of State, Tony Blinken, last week said the U.S. would continue to support Taiwan.
“There’s been a strong and long bipartisan commitment to Taiwan, something that we hold to very strongly,” Blinken said.
Under the Trump administration, warmer ties were embraced with the island while President Trump feuded with China on issues such as trade and national security.
The new U.S. president is expected to remain tough on China despite a softening of diplomatic tone. The U.S. statement on Saturday said that Washington would “continue to assist Taiwan in maintaining a sufficient self-defence capability.”
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