Words that do not pass. China denounced, Monday, September 19, a “serious violation” diplomatic promises from Washington after remarks by Joe Biden, concerning the situation in Taiwan. During an interview broadcast this weekend on the American channel CBS, the American president assured that the United States would defend the island coveted by Beijing “if an unprecedented attack were to occur”.
These words constitute “a serious violation of the important commitment of the United States not to support the independence of Taiwan”reacted on Monday a spokeswoman for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “This sends the wrong signal, serious, [de soutien] to the separatist forces campaigning for the independence of Taiwan”she said to the press.
As a reminder, in three joint press releases signed in 1972, 1979 and 1982, the United States notably undertook to recognize the Beijing government as the sole legitimate representative of China. Washington cut its diplomatic ties with Taipei in 1979.