U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Photo: Retrieved from Asia Society YouTube
Whether the US will adjust its Taiwan Strait policy stance has attracted much attention after US President Joe Biden mentioned that the US would intervene militarily if China invaded Taiwan militarily. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken delivered a speech on China policy today. In his speech, Blinken proposed a strategic outline for investing in U.S. competitiveness and competing with China with allied partners. When talking about Taiwan, he reiterated that the one-China policy of the United States remains unchanged, and criticized Beijing’s increasing threats to Taiwan, threatening the peace and stability of the Taiwan Strait.
Blinken delivered a 45-minute speech at George Washington University today covering the most contentious issues in U.S.-China bilateral relations. He stressed that the United States does not seek to cut China off from the global economy, but wants Beijing to abide by international rules. Washington will not hinder China’s economic development or attempt to change Beijing’s political system, but Washington will defend the international laws and institutions that maintain peace and security and allow countries, including the United States and China, to coexist.
Blinken attributes China’s historic economic transformation over the past 40 years to the efforts of the Chinese people, while criticizing Chinese President Xi Jinping’s “ruling Chinese Communist Party to be more repressive at home and more aggressive abroad” and for using its own The power to undermine the principles and institutions that make them successful. “But we cannot rely on Beijing to change its behavior, so we will shape the strategic environment around Beijing to drive our vision of an open and inclusive international system,” he said.
When talking about Taiwan, Blinken first mentioned that after decades and various administrations, the US policy has not changed, and it is still committed to the one-China policy, which is guided by the Taiwan Relations Act, the three US-China communiqués and the six guarantees. The US opposes any unilateral change of the status quo. The Biden administration is ready to step up direct communication with Beijing on various issues, and if Chinese officials take action to address concerns, the U.S. will respond “positively.”
Blinken said that the United States does not support Taiwan independence and hopes to resolve cross-strait differences through peaceful means. Peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait is a long-term interest of the United States. The United States will continue to fulfill its commitment to assist Taiwan in maintaining sufficient self-defense capabilities in accordance with the Taiwan Relations Act, and ensure that The United States maintains the capability to counter any force or other forms of coercion that could jeopardize Taiwan’s security, social or economic system.
Blinken also praised Taiwan as a vibrant democracy and a regional economic leader. He pointed out that the United States and Taiwan have a stable unofficial relationship, and the United States will continue to expand cooperation with Taiwan on shared interests and values, support Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the international community, and deepen economic ties in line with the one-China policy. Maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait is not only an interest of the United States, but also an issue of international concern, which is crucial to regional and global security and prosperity.
“We do not seek conflict or a new Cold War,” Blinken said. “On the contrary, we are determined to avoid it.” further deteriorated. In addition to maintaining Trump’s tariffs on Chinese goods, Biden is also pursuing stronger ties with allies inside and outside the Asia-Pacific region to counter Beijing’s growing influence.