Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s recent remark that the United States “does not support Taiwan independence” sparked a wave of criticism, especially among Republicans in Congress, who perceived it as a submissive gesture toward China. The status of Taiwan, a self-governed democratic island approximately 100 miles off China’s southeastern coast, has been a perennial point of contention in US-China relations.
Blinken’s statement was made following a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, a context that provoked criticism from figures such as Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) who accused the Biden administration of appeasing Jinping instead of standing up to China. Rep. Ben Cline (R-VA) tweeted that Blinken’s comment was a “dangerous display of weakness towards our adversaries on the world stage.”
Despite Taiwan not being a formal ally of the United States, the Biden administration has asserted that the US would come to Taiwan’s defense if China were to attack. This approach aligns with the “One China policy” which the United States has adhered to since the 1970s, a policy that does not stake a formal position on Taiwan’s sovereignty.
The “One China policy” is distinct from Beijing’s “One China principle”. While both recognize the existence of only one China, Beijing’s principle asserts that Taiwan is part of China, implying a concrete position on Taiwan’s status. U.S. policy, however, maintains that Taiwan’s sovereignty status is unsettled and urges for the status quo of relations between China and Taiwan.
In contrast to the criticism he faced domestically, Blinken’s comments may not come as a surprise in international circles, as the United States has never formally supported Taiwan’s independence. Washington continues to advocate for the current ambiguity in Taiwan-China relations, although the One China policy keeps evolving alongside the growing competition between China and the US.
Under the federal Taiwan Relations Act of 1979, the U.S. has committed to aid Taiwan in the event of military aggression from China, with Blinken asserting that the US remains “committed to continuing our responsibilities under the Taiwan Relations Act including making sure Taiwan has the ability to defend itself.” The Pentagon is actively working on supplying Taiwan with weapons, part of a $1 billion fund earmarked last year for Taipei’s military defense systems. However, these arms packages are designed to deter China from attacking Taiwan rather than promoting a conflict, as the US still encourages a peaceful resolution of cross-strait differences.
Given the ongoing tension, the House Select Subcommittee on Countering the Chinese Communist Party has suggested that the US should pass legislation that would clarify its official position in a more straightforward manner. The implications of such a shift remain to be seen as the US continues to balance its commitments to Taiwan with the delicate complexities of its relationship with China.
