President Joe Biden said the US did not support independence for Taiwan, after voters there defied China and returned the governing Democratic Progressive Party — which has sought to limit Beijing’s influence — to a third consecutive term.
“We do not support independence,” Biden told reporters Saturday as he departed the White House for Camp David.
Update on Chinese air operations near Taiwan:
Beginning 1 January & for 13 consecutive days leading up to the election in Taiwan—China sent 32 balloons over & around the island.
An additional 100+ military aircraft (including drones), 60+ warships, & 3 satellites were detected. pic.twitter.com/JN7aWVnsC7
— Ian Ellis (@ianellisjones) January 15, 2024
Update: Chinese President Xi says Taiwan is forever a province of the People’s Republic of China and that the PLA will secure the island by force if necessary! He also said China will crush Taiwan if it makes a move towards independence! Well, it made the move yesterday!!!
The victory of Lai Ching-te, leader of the pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), the party of outgoing President Tsai Ing-wen, appears to be a strategic win for the US and the collective West – at least at a first glance.
But it guarantees a war for Taiwan that will destroy the island and begin a clash between two superpowers: The US and China! And that war is about to begin….
🚨Update: Chinese President Xi says Taiwan is forever a province of the People’s Republic of China and that the PLA will secure the island by force if necessary! He also said China will crush Taiwan if it makes a move towards independence! Well, it made the move yesterday!!!… pic.twitter.com/BZSMRWxYJm
— US Civil Defense News (@CaptCoronado) January 15, 2024
6 PLA aircraft and 4 PLAN vessels around Taiwan were detected by 06:00 (UTC+8) today. 1 of the detected aircraft (BZK-005 UAV RECCE) had crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait. #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and tasked appropriate forces to respond. pic.twitter.com/YZpzHsMp2D
— 國防部 Ministry of National Defense, R.O.C. 🇹🇼 (@MoNDefense) January 15, 2024
h/t DOORBERT