At a joint press conference, Biden and Kishida took a firm tone toward China, advocating their “common vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific (region)” and agreeing to monitor Chinese naval activity in the area where Beijing has growing ambitions.
Asked if the United States would intervene militarily against China in the event of a Chinese attempt to take control of Taiwan by force, Biden replied: “It’s our commitment.”
“We agree with the one China policy, and we have signed for it … but the idea that Taiwan should be taken by force is not appropriate,” he added.
China regards Taiwan as a rogue province that should be integrated into the country, by force if necessary.
Beijing replied on Monday that it is willing to defend its national interests in Taiwan.
“No one should underestimate the firm determination, firm will and ability of the Chinese people to uphold national sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin told reporters.
Russia ‘must pay the price’
Biden also attacked the Russian government, which “has to pay a long-term price” for its “barbarism in Ukraine,” alluding to harsh sanctions imposed by Washington and its allies.
“This is not just about Ukraine. If sanctions are not upheld in many respects, what signal would we send to China about the cost of an attempt to take Taiwan by force?” he asked.