Last week, President Joe Biden (D) stirred political tension after making public comments regarding Taiwan.
During a CNN townhall, President Biden was asked if the United States would defend Taiwan should it be invaded by China. The President responded that “yes, we have a commitment.” Subsequently, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson released a statement on the issue, and Florida Senators Marco Rubio (R) and Rick Scott (R) took to social media to comment on the subject as well.
Sen. Scott launched a salvo of criticism at China and the current “supply chain crisis” while the latter praised Taiwan as the United States’ “democratic & peaceful partner.”
After the President’s comments during the town hall event, many wondered if it indicated a change in foreign policy. However, on Friday, the White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki affirmed that it wasn’t the case.
“He wasn’t announcing a change in policy nor have we changed our policy,” she assured, adding that “we are guided by the Taiwan Relations Act.”
The initial question to the President comes at a time when rumors are circulating that China might be preparing to invade Taiwan.
In response to the comments, Wang Wenbin, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, during an interview with the Associated Press, commented that “when it comes to issues related to China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and other core interests, there is no room for China to compromise or make concessions, and no one should underestimate the strong determination, firm will and strong ability of the Chinese people to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
Senator Rubio, a critic of China who is sanctioned by the country, took to social media, but he didn’t directly comment on the President’s words. Instead, he urged the country to produce more goods for itself, noting that “if more of the stuff we buy was made in America instead of China we wouldn’t have a supply chain crisis.”
If more of the stuff we buy was made in America instead of China we wouldn’t have a supply chain crisis
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) October 21, 2021
Similarly, Senator Scott did not directly address the controversy but instead posted a picture of himself with Bi-khim Hsaiao, an Ambassador for Taiwan.
Last week, I was honored to meet with Representative of Taiwan @bikhim & continue fostering & strengthening the United States’ relationship with our democratic & peaceful partner, Taiwan. pic.twitter.com/8ddgnhX2TU
— Rick Scott (@SenRickScott) October 24, 2021
Along with the picture, he praised the meeting, calling it an effort to “continue fostering & strengthening the United States’ relationship with our democratic & peaceful partner, Taiwan.”
