China, identified by the U.S. military as the most dangerous strategic threat to the United States, won't see any immediate easing of sanctions or diplomatic pressure under the Biden administration.
Despite immense areas of disagreement, both President Joe Biden and former president Donald Trump agree the U.S. must confront Chinese aggression with resolute strength. The Biden administration is expected to hold China to account for its human rights violations, especially against the Muslim Uyghur minority, and for its illegal territorial claims in the South China Sea, East China Sea and the Himalayas.
Team Biden agrees with the Trump administration on several “extremely touchy” issues concerning China. Early signals show the Biden administration “may change the tone and tenor of the conversation with Beijing -- but they’re not really gonna change the policy,” said Lanhee Chen, director of domestic policy studies and lecturer at Stanford University.
He pointed out that Antony Blinken, Biden’s nominee for Secretary of State, said during his confirmation hearing this week he agreed with the previous administration’s assessment that China committed genocide against the minority Uyghur Muslims.
Blinken also admitted Trump was "right in taking a tougher approach to China." On the other hand, he "very much" disagreed with the manner in which Trump went about this issue.
Blinken also “made clear that the U.S. will not be abandoning Taiwan anytime soon.” He told senators he remains in favor of greater engagement with Taiwan, or the Republic of China.
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| Antony Blinken |
The U.S. is Taiwan’s largest arms supplier and most powerful international backer. This relationship flourished under Trump and seems set to continue under Trump.
Emily Horne, spokeswoman for the National Security Council (NSC), reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to Taiwan remains "rock-solid."
"President Biden will stand with friends and allies to advance our shared prosperity, security, and values in the Asia-Pacific region -- and that includes Taiwan," said Horne.
Taiwan took heart when its de facto ambassador to the U.S., Hsiao Bi-khim, was invited to attended Biden's swearing-in on Wednesday.
Hsiao said she was honored to be at Biden's swearing-in representing Taiwan's government and people.
"Democracy is our common language and freedom is our common objective," she said in a video message to Taiwan.
Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen sent her congratulations to Biden, saying she hoped both countries can work together to maintain regional democracy, freedom, peace and stability.
Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it was the first time Taiwan's Washington representative had formally been invited to the swearing-in of a U.S. president. It noted this gracious gesture reaffirms the close friendship between Taiwan and the U.S. based on shared values.
"These shared values are democracy, freedom and human rights," said ministry spokeswoman Joanne Ou.
The United States severed diplomatic ties with Taiwan in 1979 to recognize China. The U.S., however, is bound by treaties to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself. (Jan. 23, 2021)
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