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The top United States (US) representative in Taiwan, Sandra Oudkirk, said her country was committed to helping Taiwan defend itself amid rising tensions between Taipei and Beijing.
Speaking to reporters at his first news conference since taking office in July, he described US relations with Taiwan as “solid”.
“The United States is committed to helping Taiwan provide for its self-defense,” said Oudkirk, who heads the American Institute in Taiwan, the de facto US embassy with no formal diplomatic ties. Reuters, Friday (10/29/2021).
When asked whether the United States would defend Taiwan if China attacked, Oudkirk replied diplomatically by saying policy towards Taiwan was clear and remained unchanged, citing several US laws governing its relations with Taiwan.
Earlier in an interview with CNN that aired Thursday, Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen confirmed that a small number of US troops were in Taiwan to train Taiwanese soldiers.
Also read: First Time, President Tsai Confirms Presence of US Troops in Taiwan
When asked for more details about the presence of US troops on the island, Oudkirk declined to comment on special operations or training.
“We engage with our partners in Taiwan regularly to assess vulnerabilities, to assess ways we can support Taiwan in enhancing its self-defense,” he said.
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