But Mr. Biden’s comments went beyond providing military means for Taiwan to defend itself and were seen by many as suggesting direct US military involvement.
Mr. Biden has ignored the strategic ambiguity of his predecessors towards China and Taiwan in the past. Last August, while reassuring allies that “we will respond” if there was an attack on another NATO member, he added, “Same with Japan, same with South Korea. , similar to Taiwan.”
However, Taiwan has never received the same security guarantees from the US as Japan, South Korea or America’s NATO partners, so the above comment is considered meaningful. Two months later, Biden was asked at CNN town hall if the United States would defend Taiwan from attack. “Yes, we are committed to doing that.” he say.
Mr. Biden’s improvisation in Tokyo has stirred up reactions in Washington, where some political leaders praised his outspoken support for an ally while others mocked him for his immorality. discipline.
“President Biden’s claim that if the push comes to shove the United States of America will defend Taiwan against communist China is the right thing to say and the right thing to do,” said Sen. Lindsey Graham, South Carolina Republican, wrote on Twitter.
On the other hand, Tommy Hicks Jr., co-chair of the Republican National Committee and a close ally of former President Donald J. Trump, sees incompetence as not courage. “Another cleaning job from the Biden studio,” he wrote. “He couldn’t go abroad without saying something his team had to come back a few minutes later. It is reckless and shameful.”
Of course, Mr. Trump is more inclined than Mr. Biden to make provocative, off-topic and non-public statements that contradict traditional American policy. At various points, he threatened war with North Korea, Venezuela and Iran; US allies such as Germany, Japan, Canada and South Korea; and protect enemies like Mr. Putin.
