The security adviser’s comment comes in the wake of China sending a record number of fighter jets into Taiwanese airspace four days in a row. According to Taiwan’s defense minister, the situation is at its most tense in 40 years.
Taiwan considers itself an independent state, while China in turn claims that Taiwan is Chinese territory. Beijing has not ruled out the use of force to ensure that Taiwan is Chinese.
– We do everything we can
The US Security Adviser expresses concern and states that the US will defend Taiwan – or the Republic of China, as the country is officially called – if necessary.
– We will speak out, both privately and publicly, when we see such activity that causes fundamental uncertainty in the area, says US President Joe Biden’s security adviser Jake Sullivan to BBC.
Sullivan is asked if the United States is prepared to enter the military.
– Let me make it clear and distinct. We will do everything we can to avoid that day coming, he answers.
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The situation in the Taiwan Strait has not been so tense in 40 years. Photo: Samantha Jetzer / US Navy / AP / NTB
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US forces are training Taiwanese soldiers
China fears that Taiwan is moving in the direction of formal independence. according to Financial Times The Pentagon has sent special forces to Taiwan to train Taiwanese soldiers. The purpose is to prepare the military for a possible Chinese attack.
According to the Pentagon, the deployment of U.S. troops is linked to Taiwan’s purchase of U.S. military equipment, including F-16s.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry warns the United States against military involvement and points to the agreement China and the United States signed in 1979, in which the United States promised to have only a “cultural and trade-related relationship with Taiwan.”
“The United States is fully aware of the very sensitive situation around Taiwan and should cut all military ties with Taiwan immediately,” a spokesman for China’s foreign ministry told the Financial Times.
According to Sullivan, it is only natural that the United States should cooperate with Taiwan.
“It is necessary for the United States to cooperate with its allies and stand up for its friends, and we will do that,” Sullivan said.
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