Biden says U.S. willing to use force to defend Taiwan — prompting China backlash

U.S. President Joe Biden on Monday said he would be willing to use force to defend Taiwan, prompting thanks from the self-ruled island and sharp criticism from China.

When asked at a joint press conference with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida whether the U.S. would be prepared to defend Taiwan if attacked, Biden replied: “Yes.”

“That’s the commitment we made,” Biden said. “We agree with a one-China policy. We’ve signed on to it and all the intended agreements made from there but the idea that it can be taken by force, just taken by force, is just not appropriate.”