Biden Reiterates Possibility of US Military Intervention in Taiwan Defense: "Won't Rule Out Using Military Force"

US President Joe Biden hinted at the possibility of US military intervention in the defense of Taiwan if China invades Taiwan in an interview with Time magazine. In an interview with Time magazine's online edition on the 4th (local time), President Biden stated, "We will not rule out the use of US military force if China attacks Taiwan."

While stating that the US's "One China" policy remains unchanged, President Biden has repeatedly emphasized his determination to defend Taiwan, expressing concerns about the military invasion by the Xi Jinping administration. This statement is interpreted as both clarifying the US's stance on defending Taiwan and serving as a warning message to China.

Regarding the specific response methods related to his past remarks about the possibility of deploying US troops to defend Taiwan, President Biden responded, "It will depend on the circumstances." However, he left room for interpretation by stating that there are "differences" in the deployment of ground forces, air forces, and naval forces. When asked about the possibility of using US military bases in the Philippines and Japan to launch attacks, he evaded the question, saying, "I can't say."

President Biden explained that he had conveyed to President Xi Jinping that the US does not support Taiwan's "independence" but would protect Taiwan if China attempted to unilaterally change the status quo.

President Biden's remarks indicate that US-China relations have entered a state of heightened tension surrounding the Taiwan issue. The US is concerned about China's military threats to Taiwan and is strengthening its military support for Taiwan. China considers Taiwan to be its own territory and maintains its stance that it will not tolerate US intervention in Taiwan. The escalating tensions between the US and China are exacerbating security instability in the East Asia region.