US President Clarifies Policy on Taiwan, Denying Change to ‘One China’ Stance

US President Joe Biden has confirmed that American forces would defend Taiwan in the event of a significant attack from China, while reiterating that the US’s long-standing “One China” policy has not shifted under his leadership.

In an interview with CBS News’ 60 Minutes, Biden emphasised that the US remains committed to the policy established through diplomatic agreements between Washington and Beijing, as well as the Taiwan Relations Act. This legislation acknowledges China’s stance that Taiwan is a part of China but does not recognise Beijing’s sovereignty over the island. Under the “One China” policy, the US maintains informal relations with Taiwan, without formally supporting its independence.

“We are still abiding by what we signed up for decades ago,” Biden explained, reiterating that Taiwan should determine its own future while the US does not advocate for independence. However, when asked about the potential US military response to a Chinese invasion, Biden affirmed that the US would intervene: “Yes, if in fact there was an unprecedented attack.”

Following Biden’s comments, White House officials clarified that US policy regarding military involvement in Taiwan remains ambiguous, consistent with past administrations’ approach. Biden’s remark, however, added further clarity on the potential for direct US intervention should the situation escalate.

In a separate exchange, Biden was pressed to differentiate his stance on Taiwan from US support for Ukraine. When asked whether US forces would defend Taiwan in a similar manner to Ukraine, where no American military presence has been committed, Biden firmly responded: “Yes.”