China’s military exercises around Taiwan following President Lai Ching-te’s inauguration have drawn international attention, including that of U.S. President Joe Biden. While speaking at the commencement at West Point Military Academy over the weekend, Biden said he would safeguard peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, and that he would be willing to, quote, "use force" to protect U.S.’ allies and interests. Following Biden’s comments, President Lai Ching-te thanked him and called on China to jointly shoulder the responsibility of regional stability, while enhancing mutual understanding and reconciliation.

Joe Biden
US president
We elevated the Quad, with Japan, India and Australia to defend a safe, open and secure Indo-Pacific. We’re standing for peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. I’ve always been willing to use force when required to protect our nation, our allies, our core interests. When anyone targets American troops, we will deliver justice to them.

Lai Ching-te
President
I am very grateful to U.S. President Biden. It will not be accepted by the international community for any country to make waves in the Taiwan Strait and affect regional stability. Therefore, I also call on China to jointly shoulder the important responsibility of regional stability with Taiwan. I very much look forward to working with China through exchanges and cooperation, to enhance mutual understanding and reconciliation, to create mutual benefit, and to move toward a position of peace and common prosperity.

David Sanger
New York Times reporter
We’ve had three or four times where the president has said not only would he defend Taiwan, but that he would send American troops, which is something that he has never said and never done in the case of Ukraine.

President Lai thanked the U.S. for its support for regional stability, and also addressed the Chinese leadership. It wasn’t the first time that Biden made such comments, and as was the case previously, his latest comments are being welcomed in Taipei as a sign of continuing U.S. commitment to a peaceful Asia-Pacific region.

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