Behind the scenes in Japan, a welcome for Biden's defence of Taiwan

24/5/2022 19:12

        For Japan, U.S. President Joe Biden's comment he would be willing to use force to defend Taiwan signalled no formal change in policy. But behind the
        scenes in Tokyo, it was seen as a welcome warning at a time of growing alarm over China.
        
        Biden's remark on Monday - during his first Asia visit since taking office - appeared to stretch the limits of the U.S. policy of "strategic ambiguity" toward self-ruled Taiwan, to China's anger.
        
        While the United States has a commitment under its Taiwan Relations Act "to help provide Taiwan the means to defend itself", it has long declined to make clear how it might react in the event of a Chinese attack on the island.