The US is playing with fire, China warns in response to the unusually strong US message that Washington is ready to use force to defend Taiwan against Chinese aggression. The Beijing government said the Americans were “pulling Taiwan’s card to contain China,” but would burn themselves out.
US President Joe Biden reiterated on Monday that the United States is ready to use force to defend Taiwan against any Chinese attack. The president said it was a promise the United States had made. And so he repeated a similar statement last October.
Biden made his remarks in response to recent Chinese military exercises. For example, recently Chinese planes flew near Taiwan and the military conducted exercises near the country.
Biden’s spokesperson toned down his striking words shortly after the president spoke. The spokesman said the United States will commit to providing military support so that Taiwan can defend itself.
Taiwan happy with Biden’s comments
The Taiwanese foreign ministry welcomed Biden’s support. Taiwan, along with Japan and the United States, says it will continue to invest heavily in the military to ensure the island’s security.
Communist China does not recognize Taiwan as a separate country and considers it part of China. In 1949, the leaders of China expelled by the Communists fled to the island and established the Republic of China (Taiwan) there.
