No support for Taiwan independence: Biden

US President Joe Biden stressed on Saturday that the United States does not endorse Taiwan’s independence, following Taiwan’s election of the candidate from ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) for a third presidential term.

Taiwan’s newly elected president, Lai Ching-te, from the DPP, assumed office firmly resisting Chinese pressure to distance himself and committed to both standing up to Beijing and pursuing diplomatic dialogue.

“We do not support independence…” responded Biden when asked for his reaction to Saturday’s election results. In the hours leading up to the polls, Washington had issued a warning that it deemed it “unacceptable” for “any” nation to interfere in the election.

Taiwan, an adjacent island claimed by China as its own territory, has been a thriving democracy since its inaugural direct presidential election in 1996, marking the culmination of decades of struggle against authoritarian rule and martial law.

Despite the absence of formal diplomatic relations, the United States remains Taiwan’s most significant international supporter and arms supplier.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken congratulated Lai Ching-te on his victory and affirmed the U.S.’s commitment to preserving peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, along with the peaceful resolution of disputes without coercion or pressure.