Biden: Rivalry with China must not turn to conflict, Taiwan key issue

By Al Mayadeen Engish
Source: Agencies
13 Nov 2022 15:45
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US President Joe Biden announces via a White House statement that the US will face China in the Taiwan matter with the hope that the rivalry will not lead to confrontation.

US President Joe Biden to face China in Taiwan with hopes of no confrontation (Reuters)

President Joe Biden stated, via a White House statement on Sunday, during the East Asia Summit in Phnom Penh that Washington will "vigorously" compete with China and voice out the country's "violations of human rights" while also making sure that the rivalry does not escalate into a confrontation.

The statement read, "President Biden also commented on U.S-PRC relations, underscoring that the United States will compete vigorously with the PRC and speak out regarding the PRC’s human rights abuses while keeping lines of communication open and ensuring competition does not veer into conflict."

The US president again stressed the significance of preserving peace and stability on both sides of the Taiwan Strait.

In addition, the statement said that Biden denounced North Korea's threats and Russia's activities in Ukraine.

China warns US of heavy price if it pressures 'Taiwan independence'

The Chinese Foreign Ministry announced that the United States has inflated the passage of its warships through the Taiwan Strait.

"The Chinese people are firmly determined to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity," Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin told a media briefing when asked about the American official's visit.

"The attempt by the US to show support to Taiwan will be in vain no matter who it sent. China urges the US to abide by the one-China principle," he said.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson's statement came in response to a visit by a delegation of former US officials to Taipei earlier in the year, which was explained by US President Joe Biden as a move to 'reassure the island's people' following the war in Ukraine.