White House clarifies Biden’s ‘military’ remark on Taiwan

CHINA MAY 23 RT.COM -The White House on Monday clarified US President Joe Biden’s statement after Biden said US was ready to use military force to defend Taiwan if necessary.

The president has only said that the US would continue to “provide Taiwan with the military means to defend itself.” a White House official said adding that the US president’s words did not constitute any changes in Washington’s policy towards Taiwan or China. The news came after Beijing warned it would take all necessary measures to defend its territorial integrity, urging Washington not to “underestimate” the resolve of the Chinese people after earlier in the day, Joe Biden said Washington could intervene militarily in case of a conflict between China and Taiwan, calling it America’s “commitment.”

The US does not have formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan but enjoys close military cooperation with the island, an issue that’s long been a thorn in the side of Us-china relations.