Biden Agrees with Xi Jinping on Adhering to 'Taiwan Agreement'

'One China' Principle and Mention of the US Taiwan Relations Act Seem Likely

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suhwan] U.S. President Joe Biden stated that he and Chinese President Xi Jinping agree on adhering to the 'Taiwan agreement.'

According to major foreign media on the 5th (local time), President Biden told reporters at the White House that day, "I spoke with President Xi about Taiwan. We agree to abide by the Taiwan agreement."

He added, "That is where we stand," emphasizing, "I made it clear that I think he should do nothing other than uphold the agreement."

This statement came amid rising tensions between the two countries as China has been conducting continuous military demonstrations against Taiwan recently.

Foreign media interpreted President Biden's mention of the 'Taiwan agreement' as referring to the U.S. 'One China' policy, which officially recognizes China rather than Taiwan, and the Taiwan Relations Act.

It is also interpreted that Biden's remarks refer to the 90-minute phone call with President Xi on the 9th of last month, their first meeting in seven months.

At that time, President Biden said, "The United States has no intention of changing the 'One China' policy."

The United States established diplomatic relations with China in 1979 during the Democratic Jimmy Carter administration, recognizing the 'One China' principle and severing official ties with Taiwan.

However, the U.S. subsequently enacted the Taiwan Relations Act under its domestic law, keeping a channel open to engage with Taiwan.

This law was designed to replace the mutual defense treaty with Taiwan, which was abandoned upon establishing relations with China, and includes provisions for Taiwan's security. Specifically, it allows the U.S. to maintain trade and cultural exchanges with Taiwan and continue exporting defensive weapons.

However, the Associated Press analyzed, "According to long-standing policy, the U.S. provides political and military support to Taiwan but does not explicitly promise to defend Taiwan against a Chinese attack."

Meanwhile, from the 1st to the 4th, a total of 149 Chinese military aircraft entered Taiwan's Air Defense Identification Zone, indicating an intensifying show of force by China toward Taiwan.

In response, U.S. State Department spokesperson Ned Price issued a statement on the 3rd, saying, "The United States is deeply concerned about China's provocative military activities toward Taiwan," and criticized them as "actions that threaten regional stability and peace."

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.