During a Monday press conference in Beijing, Secretary of State Antony Blinken restated the firm opposition of the United States to Taiwanese independence.
In recent days, Blinken has been engaged in high-level discussions with Chinese officials, including Chairman Xi Jinping.
These meetings occurred in the context of President Joe Biden’s expressed intent to pursue a more cooperative relationship with China.
Additionally, Blinken issued a subdued statement on the anniversary of the horrific Tiananmen Square massacre. It was widely interpreted as indicating a new conciliatory approach between the two nations.
On Monday, Blinken addressed the escalating Chinese aggression towards Taiwan while assuring the Chinese government that the United States does not recognize Taiwan as an independent nation.
Blinken reaffirmed the enduring U.S. One China policy regarding Taiwan, emphasizing that there has been no alteration in this stance.
The Taiwan Relations Act governs this policy, the Three Joint Communiques and the Six Assurances.
The United States maintains its non-support for Taiwanese independence and opposes any unilateral modifications to the existing situation by either party.
The peaceful resolution of differences between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait is still anticipated.
The United States remains dedicated to fulfilling its obligations under the Taiwan Relations Act, which includes ensuring Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities.
The remarks made by the Secretary on Monday reflect a continuation of the longstanding U.S. policy, which acknowledges Taiwan as a part of China but has also historically defended Taiwan’s autonomy.
However, some observers, particularly conservative critics of the Biden administration, expressed frustration with Blinken’s emphasis on this concession while in China.
David Harsanyi from the Federalist tweeted, “Imagine a Trump official going to Russia and saying, ‘We do not support Ukrainian independence.'”
Gabriella Hoffman from Townhall argued that the “candid” talks between Blinken and China were intended to portray the U.S. as weak.
The Global Times, a state-run Chinese propaganda outlet, swiftly highlighted Blinken’s opposition to Taiwanese independence through online promotion.
Supporters of the One China policy have consistently praised its effectiveness in preventing direct conflicts between the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and Taiwan.
However, critics argue that the policy is inconsistent, considering the United States’ commitment to defending Taiwan and its de facto acknowledgment of Taiwan’s right to self-determination.
