
On Saturday, Joe Biden’s declaration that the United States does not support Taiwan’s bid for independence following the democratic election of Lai Ching-te as its new president sparked a wave of criticism and accusations of hypocrisy against his administration. This stance, reaffirming the U.S.’s long-held One China policy, contrasts sharply with the Biden administration’s vocal advocacy for democratic principles globally, raising questions about its commitment to those values when they conflict with the wishes of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
The election of Lai Ching-te, a proponent of Taiwanese independence, was a bold statement by Taiwanese voters against the pressure and threats from China. However, Biden’s quick dismissal of Taiwan’s aspirations for independence contradicts his previous assurances of support for Taiwan’s defense. In May 2022, Biden had stated that the U.S. would defend Taiwan militarily against Chinese aggression, a stance that now seems at odds with his recent declaration.
Biden admin announces US does not support Taiwan's bid for independence from Chinahttps://t.co/5JbHNp31W2https://t.co/5JbHNp31W2
— The Post Millennial (@TPostMillennial) January 15, 2024
This apparent reversal has not gone unnoticed. Critics point out that while the Biden administration has been quick to condemn other nations for undermining democratic processes, its current position on Taiwan signals a willingness to overlook democratic aspirations for diplomatic expediency. The Democratic Party, traditionally seen as a champion of democratic values, faces accusations of hypocrisy for its failure to stand by Taiwan, a thriving democracy under threat.
Moreover, the administration’s mixed messaging has added to the confusion. While Biden firmly states that the U.S. does not support Taiwanese independence, high-ranking U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken and House Speaker Mike Johnson, have publicly congratulated Lai Ching-te and praised Taiwan’s democratic process. This dissonance between the President’s stance and the supportive messages from other U.S. officials reflects a lack of coherent policy toward Taiwan, further complicating an already delicate international situation.
President Biden’s reference to the “One China policy” and the need for a peaceful resolution of differences between China and Taiwan, as reiterated after his statement, seems to prioritize maintaining a fragile status quo over the clear democratic choice of the Taiwanese people. This approach is seen by many as a concession to the CCP, undermining the global effort to support democratic movements and casting doubt on the U.S.’s role as a defender of democracy.
The Biden administration’s stance on Taiwan’s independence reveals a troubling contradiction. On the one hand, the U.S. continues to champion democratic values and condemn autocratic regimes. On the other, its refusal to support Taiwan’s democratic decision in the face of Chinese aggression suggests a willingness to compromise these values for diplomatic convenience.