If I was a betting man, I would take China over Taiwan and give up the 90 points. Jen Psaki was asked if the United States would support Taiwan militarily and surprise, surprise, she refused to answer. She did say that Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stated Friday that there was “no reason” cross-strait relations between Taiwan and China should “come to blows.” That’s what he said about the Taliban and the Afghan government.
Psaki also pointed out that according to the Taiwan Relations Act that the United States will continue to abide by, of course, is assisting Taiwan in maintaining a sufficient self-defense capability. That is something else they also said about the Afghanistan government. If you were Taiwan, how confident would you be feeling right about now? Remember, China already owns Joe Biden lock, stock, and barrel.
In his CNN Townhall, Joe Biden was a bit more adamant about the role the United States would play, but unfortunately, that decision is reserved for higher-ups and Biden was not given the authority to speak for the government of the United States. That is why Psaki needed to clarify the facts.
A reporter asked Psaki whether there was a change in U.S. policy as it relates to Taiwan and Psaki answered:
“There has been no shift. The president was not announcing a change in our policy, nor has he made a decision to change our policy. There is no change in our policy. Our defense relationship with Taiwan is guided by the Taiwan Relations Act.”
“Some of the principles of the Taiwan Relations Act that the United States will continue to abide by, of course, is assisting Taiwan in maintaining a sufficient self defense capability. Another principle is that the United States would regard any effort to determine the future of Taiwan by other than peaceful means a threat to the peace and security of the western Pacific and of grave concern to the United States,” she added.
Another reporter then pressed Psaki on what specific military measures the U.S. would consider taking in defense of Taiwan.
“When the president says that the U.S. has a commitment to protect Taiwan, does that commitment include military intervention in the event of a Chinese attack?” the reporter asked.
Psaki dodged the question, instead reiterating that Biden’s statement did not constitute a change in policy nor an intention to change any policy.
