Saturday, December 9, 2023
India
US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said on Saturday that Washington and its Asia allies would "stand up" for stability in the Taiwan Strait.
Sullivan made the remarks in Seoul, alongside South Korea's Cho Tae-yong and Japan's Takeo Akiba. He said that the three countries would continue to work together to uphold the rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region.
"We will continue to stand up for peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and freedom of navigation in the east and South China Seas," Sullivan told reporters.
His comments come at a time of heightened tensions between the United States and China over Taiwan. China has been increasing its military pressure on Taiwan in recent months, and has vowed to unite the island with the mainland, even by force if necessary.
The United States has a long-standing policy of "strategic ambiguity" when it comes to Taiwan. This means that the US does not explicitly state whether it would defend Taiwan militarily if China were to invade. However, the US has also said that it is committed to maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.
Sullivan's comments are seen as a reaffirmation of the US commitment to Taiwan. They also send a message to China that the US is not alone in its support for Taiwan, and that its allies in the region are also prepared to stand up for stability in the Taiwan Strait.
Analysis:
Sullivan's comments are significant in light of the recent increase in tensions between the US and China over Taiwan. They show that the US is not backing down on its support for Taiwan, and that it is prepared to work with its allies to uphold the rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region.
Sullivan's comments are also likely to further anger China, which has repeatedly warned the US against interfering in its internal affairs. However, they are also likely to reassure Taiwan and its allies that the US is committed to maintaining peace and stability in the region.
