Defence ties with Taiwan ‘rock solid’, says US diplomat amid Beijing anger over troop revelation
- After Taiwanese leader confirmed US soldiers were training local forces, Sandra Oudkirk says American policy towards island is clear and unchanged
- A ‘few soldiers in Taiwan carries greater political significance than military significance’, says Chinese state media outlet
When asked if the United States would come to Taiwan’s defence if mainland China attacked, Oudkirk said the policy towards Taiwan had been clear and remained unchanged, citing US laws governing its relations with the island.
“I am not getting into details on specific operations and engagements, or training. I can say we have robust, ongoing defence and security relationships and discussions,” Oudkirk said. “They are grounded in a commitment that we have made to help support Taiwan’s self-defence in the Taiwan Relations Act.”
Chinese state media was quick to react, with a commentary in People’s Daily saying the presence of a “few soldiers in Taiwan carries greater political significance than military significance”, referring to Tsai’s remarks that the number of US troops in Taiwan was “not as many as people thought”.
The commentary said Tsai’s remarks were intended to push the US to make clear whether it would defend Taiwan if it came under attack by mainland China, but that Washington was aware of the risk.