Beijing ‘won’t be threatened’ into changing Taiwan plans, analysts say

China’s foreign ministry lodged ‘stern representations’ with the US after President Joe Biden again said American troops would defend the island if the PLA attacks

It’s seen as a possible strategy adjustment and a bid to find out and test Beijing’s bottom line – but Washington ‘won’t be able to drive the PLA’s schedule’

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US President Joe Biden says America will defend Taiwan in the event of “an unprecedented attack”. Photo: AP

Published: 11:00pm, 19 Sep 2022Updated: 11:43pm, 19 Sep 2022

US President Joe Biden has again said American troops would defend Taiwan in the event of a PLA attack, but analysts say it will not change Beijing’s plans for reunification with the self-ruled island.

In an interview on CBS’ 60 Minutes that aired on Sunday, Biden said the US would defend Taiwan “if in fact there was an unprecedented attack”, after making similar comments previously.

Biden reiterated America’s one-China policy, but said “Taiwan makes their own judgments about their independence” – raising questions over a potential deviation from the official line of not supporting Taiwan independence and opposing any move to change the status quo of the Taiwan Strait.

The Chinese foreign ministry lodged “stern representations” with the US in response.

“We are willing to do our best to strive for peaceful reunification. At the same time, we will not tolerate any activities aimed at secession,” ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told a regular media briefing on Monday.

She urged the US to handle Taiwan-related issues “carefully and properly” and not send “wrong signals” to Taiwan independence separatist forces, warning Washington not to damage its relations with Beijing and peace in the Taiwan Strait.

In Taipei, the Taiwanese foreign ministry thanked Biden for reiterating Washington’s “rock solid” security commitment to the island.