Chinese President Xi Jinping reportedly asked President Biden to modify US language concerning Taiwan’s independence during their meeting last November. The US has affirmed its commitment to the ‘One China’ policy but has not altered its stance. This ongoing tension has significant implications for the Asia-Pacific region, particularly affecting the global chip industry and Taiwan’s strategic partnerships.
The US has downplayed China’s protest over Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s exchange of congratulatory messages with Taiwan President Lai Ching-te following the recent Lok Sabha election. US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller stated that such messages are normal diplomatic practice. Despite China’s opposition to interactions between Taiwan and countries with diplomatic ties to Beijing and its assertion of a ‘One-China’ policy, the US has maintained that India is free to engage with Taiwan in non-official capacities.
China has strongly denounced a $95 billion U.S. aid package that includes military assistance for Taiwan, reiterating its stance that Taiwan is a rogue province and unification is inevitable. The Chinese embassy in the U.S. condemned the bill, passed by the U.S. Senate on Tuesday, as a violation of existing agreements and a provocation to Taiwan separatists. The U.S. has maintained a ‘one China’ policy since the 1970s, acknowledging but not endorsing Beijing’s claim over Taiwan, while continuing to provide defensive weapons to the self-ruled island. Taiwan has expressed appreciation for the U.S. support, indicating that the funds will be used for military equipment and training. The aid package also includes funding for Ukraine, Israel, and other countries in the Indo-Pacific region. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is visiting China to discuss various issues, including Taiwan and the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine.
