Advertisement
Biden delegation assures Taiwan that US stands firm on security commitment on eve of Pompeo visit
- Visit by former top US officials viewed as a pre-emptive diplomatic measure before the outspoken Trump-era secretary of state arrives
- Tsai Ing-wen tells visitors Beijing’s threats continued to rise, whether by cognitive warfare, disinformation or diplomatic means
Reading Time:3 minutes
Why you can trust SCMP
73
The US will stand firm behind its security commitment to both Taiwan and its allies, a visiting delegation of former top American military and security officials has assured the self-governing island.
The group said that maintaining the cross-strait status quo and peaceful resolution of disputes between Taiwan and the mainland were not just in the interest of the United States, but were beneficial to the whole world.
The delegation, led by former Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman Michael Mullen, was sent by US President Joe Biden to Taiwan to explain the US stand on the Ukrainian crisis and his government’s latest Indo-Pacific Strategy, which names the island as one of its leading supporters s in the region.
Advertisement
Observers said the Biden administration might also seek to get ahead of a visit to the island by Mike Pompeo, who served as secretary of state in the Trump presidency, by sending a delegation to clarify the US position.
01:29
‘The Chinese people defend their sovereignty,’ Beijing slams US for sending delegation to Taiwan
‘The Chinese people defend their sovereignty,’ Beijing slams US for sending delegation to Taiwan
Pompeo, who is popular in Taiwan, might convey views that please Taiwan while undermining the Biden government’s Indo-Pacific strategy.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Select Voice
Choose your listening speed
Get through articles 2x faster
1.25x
250 WPM
Slow
Average
Fast
1.25x