Xi Jinping Urges Biden to Shift U.S. Stance on Taiwan Amid Growing Tensions
In a private diplomatic exchange, Chinese President Xi Jinping urged U.S. President Joe Biden to reconsider the language used by Washington on the sensitive issue of Taiwan’s independence. According to U.S. officials, Xi’s request, which took place during a meeting last year on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit near San Francisco, suggested that the United States should alter its stance from “not supporting” Taiwanese independence to actively “opposing” it.
Xi and his aides reportedly made the appeal, pushing for a more assertive statement that would align with China’s own position on Taiwan. The language change would be significant, as it would imply a stronger commitment by the U.S. to the “One China” policy, impacting the complex dynamics in the Asia-Pacific region and signaling a potential policy shift. Despite China’s persistence, the Biden administration has maintained its current stance, emphasizing that Washington does not support Taiwan’s independence but refraining from directly opposing it.
This request from China reflects its heightened focus on Taiwan as military and political tensions escalate. China has increased its military presence around Taiwan in recent years, a move that has drawn international concern. The U.S. has also expressed worries about maintaining stability in the Asia-Pacific region as Beijing’s military activities around the Taiwan Strait grow.
In response to questions on the matter, the White House issued a statement reaffirming that the Biden-Harris administration remains committed to the “One China” policy and that there has been no change in the U.S. position on Taiwan.
