The U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken told a press conference that America does not support Taiwan’s independence. Blinken made the statements following his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday.
“We do not support Taiwan independence,” Blinken said. “We remain opposed to any unilateral changes to the status quo by either side.”
Secretary of State Antony Blinken: "We do not support Taiwan independence." pic.twitter.com/4uA1fS8CkW
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) June 19, 2023
Blinken maintained that the “longstanding” U.S. One China policy has not changed while reiterating America’s commitment to the Taiwan Relations Act. One of the provisions of the Taiwan Relations Act included the United States’ responsibility to make sure Taiwan can defend itself.
Blinken’s statement did not go down well with many Republicans in Congress. According to the New York Post, some Republicans view Bliken’s statement as submitting to China’s wishes.
Rep. Ben Cline (R-VA) described Blinken’s statement as a dangerous display of weakness towards China, America’s biggest adversary.
Secretary of State Blinken: “We do not support Taiwan independence.”
The Biden admin is giving China a green light to increase its intimidation of our ally, Taiwan.
This is a dangerous display of weakness towards our adversaries on the world stage.
pic.twitter.com/RaMisS9ukT— Congressman Ben Cline (@RepBenCline) June 19, 2023
“The Biden admin is giving China a green light to increase its intimidation of our ally, Taiwan,” Cline tweeted.
Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) echoed Cline’s sentiments adding that President Joe Biden’s administration is failing to confront bullies and stand up for freedom.
Blinken flew to Communist China to appease Xi Jinping and state the Biden administration does not support Taiwan’s independence.
Why won't this administration stand up to bullies and stand for freedom?
— Sen. Marsha Blackburn (@MarshaBlackburn) June 19, 2023
“Blinken flew to Communist China to appease Xi Jinping and state the Biden administration does not support Taiwan’s independence,” Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) said on Twitter. “Why won’t this administration stand up to bullies and stand for freedom?”
Taiwan’s sovereignty has continued to cause clashes between the U.S. government and the CCP. The U.S. adopts a “One China policy” that acknowledges China’s claim that Taiwan is part of its sovereign territory. The policy, however, provides that the U.S. does not agree with that claim.
The policy holds that Washington considers Taiwan’s sovereignty status as unsettled. Under the policy, The U.S. allows its military to aid Taiwan should China attempt to annex the island nation by force.
China, on the other hand, holds a “One China principle.” The policy, while similar to that of the U.S., maintains that there is only one nation of China, and Taiwan is part of it.
Beijing believes that Taiwan exists under its “one country, two systems.” Consequently, China views Taiwan and other China-claimed self-governed areas as part of China regardless of their system of government.
