Clarifying the statement made by United States President Biden regarding the defense of Taiwan in the event of a Chinese invasion, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III reiterated the country’s commitment to the “One-China Policy.”
At a press briefing on May 23, Secretary Austin told reporters inquiring about whether President Biden meant the deployment of American troops in the event of a China invasion of Taiwan, “Our One-China policy has not changed. He (President Biden) reiterated that policy and our commitment to peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. He also highlighted our commitment under the Taiwan Relations Act to help provide Taiwan the means to defend itself. So again, our policy has not changed.”
One-China Policy is the bedrock of Sino-American relations. Since the reestablishment of diplomatic ties in 1979, the U.S. has committed to the recognition of the People’s Republic of China as the sole legal government of China and acknowledged China’s position that Taiwan is part of China. The U.S. has formal relations with China but unofficial relations with Taiwan.
Meanwhile, in the same year that President Jimmy Carter officially recognized the PROC, the U.S. Congress passed the Taiwan Relations Act which mandates the president to inform congress of any impending danger to Taiwan in order to prepare an appropriate response. Under this act, Congress oversees the many aspects of the Taiwan policy.
During the May 23 press briefing, when pressed by a reporter if the U.S. were making a commitment to defend Taiwan militarily in the event of an invasion, Secretary Austin said that “the president was clear on the fact that the policy has not changed.”
Meanwhile, reporters also asked Joint Chiefs of Staff Army Gen. Mark A. Milley on what the potential risks would be to the U.S. military defense of Taiwan should China invade, to this he declined to offer a response.
He pointed out that there’s a variety of contingency plans that they hold that are all highly classified and he finds it inappropriate to talk about the risks associated with these plans.
But General Milley said, “I will render my advice at the moment in time to the president and the secretary of defense.”
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PACIFIC OCEAN (May 23, 2022) Sailors direct an EA-18G Growler, attached to the “Shadowhawks” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 141, preparing for departure on the flight deck aboard Navy’s only forward deployed aircraft carrier the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). Reagan and Carrier Air Wing (CAG) 5 are conducting carrier qualifications to certify the ship and embarked squadrons are fully capable for at sea flight operations. Reagan, flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5, provides a combat-ready force that protects and defends the United States, and supports alliances, partnerships and collective maritime interests in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Natasha ChevalierLosada)
