US President Joe Biden said on Saturday the United States does not support the independence of Taiwan after Taiwanese voters rebuffed China and gave the ruling party a third presidential term.
“We do not support independence…” Biden said when asked for reaction to Saturday’s elections.
Hours ahead of the polls opening, Washington had warned “it would be unacceptable” for “any” country to interfere in the election.
Taiwan, a neighbouring island China claims as its own, has been a democratic success story since holding its first direct presidential election in 1996, the culmination of decades of struggle against authoritarian rule and martial law.
The United States is Taiwan’s most important international backer and arms supplier despite the lack of formal diplomatic ties with the island.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken congratulated Lai Ching-te on his victory and said the United States “is committed to maintaining cross-strait peace and stability, and the peaceful resolution of differences, free from coercion and pressure.”He said the US looks forward to working with Lai and leaders of all parties in Taiwan to advance their “longstanding unofficial relationship, consistent with the US one-China policy.”
The Biden administration has feared that the election, transition, and new administration would escalate conflict with Beijing.
Biden has worked to smooth relations with China, including agreeing to talk through differences on security matters at a California summit with President Xi Jinping in November.
