During Biden’s recent televised interview with ABC News, he made comments that raised questions about whether the United States could be seen as a reliable ally.
Biden and his “strategic ambiguity” with Taiwan
Many countries question if they could look at the United States’ position when it comes to “strategic ambiguity,” particularly with Taiwan.
"After abandoning Afghanistan, Biden urgently needs clarity on Taiwan" (@TheHillOpinion) https://t.co/aPXjOyVhJw pic.twitter.com/eSLkk7FLdc
— The Hill (@thehill) August 17, 2021
In the interview, Biden was asked questioned whether Taiwan could still rely on America. Biden pushed back, claiming that they are in a situation wherein entities made agreements based not on Civil War.
Instead, they were based on an agreement that they will have a united government. Biden likewise noted that they have made a commitment and by far, they have kept their promise.
Chinese media, however, started exploiting the chaos in Afghanistan to shoo away movements aimed at helping Taiwan, questioning America’s commitment to the country.
The media in China would publish stories, stating that the White House simply left the deteriorating conditions in Kabul and asking if Taiwan will experience the same faith.
However, a senior Biden official backed up Biden’s statement, claiming that their policy hasn’t changed. An analyst, however, mentioned that the president seemed to have misspoken.
Last month marked the 100th anniversary of Chinese President’s Xi Jinping’s striking of the bellicose tone; this reaffirmed the historic mission control of Taiwan to China while informing other countries not to meddle with their actions.
China poses the biggest geopolitical challenge for the U.S.
On the other hand, Biden made it clear that China poses the biggest geopolitical challenge for the United States. Then, in February, he declared that the creation of the Defense Department China Task Force will evaluate the impending challenge coming from China.
G7 member states likewise agreed to an action directed at challenging China’s Road and Belt Initiative.
China and Taiwan separated during the Civil War in 1949; however, the Chinese Communist Party is determined to place Taiwan under its control, and they will do it with force if needed.
President Biden’s weakness in Afghanistan has emboldened China.
The United States stands with Taiwan against CCP aggression.https://t.co/usoJYa3BEr
— Rep. Ken Buck (@RepKenBuck) August 17, 2021
Last April, a senior fellow at the Cato Institute, Doug Bandow, noted that he was trying to determine what White House press secretary Jen Psaki meant when she stated the U.S. will stay friends with Taiwan as the country promotes shared success, security, and values throughout the Indo-Pacific region.
Bandow likewise noted how the officials in Taiwan are hoping that the U.S. will step in and help them; they are expecting the United States to stand behind their back and support their behavior, whether it is a declaration of their independence or actions towards China.
However, Beijing is drawing doubts on whether the White House would take action against their own interest risking (as one general in China puts it) Los Angeles for Taipei.
