Defying China, US signals military assistance to Taipei

The United States says it is committed to assisting Chinese Taipei to defend itself in the face of a potential Chinese attack, in a move which China views a blatant instance of interference in its internal affairs.

According to reports, Sandra Oudkirk, the newly-appointed chairman of the American Institute in Taipei (AIT), which operates as Washington's de facto embassy on the self-ruled island, made the remarks at a news conference on Friday, when asked if the United States would come to Taipei’s defense if it were attacked by China.

“The United States has a commitment to help” Taipei “provide for its self-defense,” Oudkirk said, describing the relations between the two sides as "rock-solid".

China has sovereignty over Chinese Taipei, and under the "One China" policy, almost all world countries recognize that sovereignty. The US, too, recognizes Chinese sovereignty over the island but has long courted Taipei in an attempt to unnerve Beijing.

The United States, which backs Taipei's secessionist president, also continues to sell weapons to the island in defiance of Beijing and in violation of its own official policy.

China has repeatedly called on the US to strictly abide by the "One China" principle when handling issues related to Taipei, warning that Beijing has no room for compromise on issues involving its core interests, including its territorial integrity.

It has also cautioned the US against sending wrong signals in any form to the so-called “independence” forces of Taipei to avoid seriously damaging Sino-US relations and peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

Tensions between the US and China escalated recently over Chinese military flights, as well as increased US military support for Taipei.

On Thursday, Taipei's president Tsai Ing-wen confirmed that a small number of American forces are stationed in the self-ruled island to purportedly train soldiers.

In response to the official declaration, Beijing denounced any military connection between Washington and Taipei.

Separately on Thursday, China strongly criticized US efforts to increase Taipei's role at the United Nations, saying the self-ruled island has "no right" to join the world body.

SS