WASHINGTON: United States (US) President Joe Biden affirmed on Saturday that Washington does not support Taiwan’s independence after the island’s voters granted the ruling party a third presidential term.
The Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) candidate, Lai Ching-te, won the presidency, vowing to pursue dialogues.
Biden stated, “We do not support independence,” in response to questions about the election results.
Hours before the polls opened, the United States warned against any country interfering in the election, saying it would be unacceptable. Taiwan, claimed by China as its own, has achieved democratic success since its first direct presidential election in 1996.
Despite the absence of formal diplomatic ties, the United States is Taiwan’s crucial international supporter and arms supplier. The Biden administration has been cautious about the election’s potential to escalate tensions with Beijing.
Anticipating pressure from China after the vote, including military maneuvers near the island, Taiwan’s government expects increased tensions. China has never ruled out using force to bring Taiwan under its control.
In a display of support, Biden plans to send an unofficial delegation to Taiwan, likely including former high-ranking American officials. Similar delegations have been dispatched to Taiwan in the past.
China expressed displeasure in 2016 when then-President-elect Donald Trump had a phone conversation with Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen, marking the first such exchange between US and Taiwanese leaders since President Jimmy Carter switched diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China in 1979.
