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OfCatherine Reikowski
shut down
Joe Biden gives an explosive TV interview on the Taiwan issue. The White House then apparently felt compelled to clarify the statement.
WASHINGTON – Would the US stand by its ally Taiwan in the event of a military attack by China? Would Taiwan receive military support from the USA – which would be tantamount to a clash between the two world powers USA and China? So far, US politicians have tried to keep a low profile. But President Biden is once again making a clear promise.
“Yes, if there were actually an unprecedented attack,” said Biden in a TV interview broadcast on Sunday evening (US time) when asked: “Would the US forces defend the island?” Pelley hooked again after: “So unlike Ukraine, to be clear: US forces (…) would defend Taiwan in the event of a Chinese invasion?” Biden again affirmed the question.
USA: White House corrects Biden’s statement after TV interview
Scott Pelley’s interview on 60 Minutes was taped Thursday. And apparently the White House did not entirely agree with the president’s explosive statement.
Because Pelley explained on the show that after the interview with Biden, the White House had made it clear that US policy had not changed. The US would not officially say whether American forces would defend Taiwan.
Biden has made clear support for Taiwan against China for the second time
Biden was similarly clear on a trip to Japan in May, saying the US has an “obligation” to defend Taiwan in the event of an attack. At the beginning of August, US top politician Nancy Pelosi caused tensions with China with a trip to Taiwan.
The communist leadership in Beijing regards Taiwan as part of the People’s Republic and threatens to conquer it. The United States has committed itself to Taiwan’s ability to defend itself – which has so far primarily meant arms deliveries. The question of military assistance in the event of an attack was deliberately left open because Beijing would see this as a violation of the “One China Doctrine”. (dpa/kat)
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