White House says US commitment to Taiwan is ‘rock solid’

By: 3 years ago

FILE PHOTO: A demonstrator holds flags of Taiwan and the United States in support of Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen during a stop-over after her visit to Latin America in Burlingame, California, U.S., January 14, 2017. REUTERS/Stephen Lam

WASHINGTON — White House press secretary Jen Psaki said on Thursday that the United States’ commitment to Taiwan is “rock solid,” as tensions rise between Taiwan and China.

“We will continue to support Taiwan’s self-defense,” Psaki said.

Earlier, Taiwan’s Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng said it will not start a war with China but will defend itself “full-on.”

This comes amid a spike in tensions across the Taiwan Strait that has raised concern internationally.

READ: Taiwan won’t start a war with China, defense minister says

“What is clearest is that the Republic of China absolutely will not start or set off a war, but if there are movements we will meet the enemy full-on,” Chiu told a parliament committee meeting, using Taiwan’s official name.

In April, Taiwan’s foreign minister said Taiwan will fight to the end if China attacks, adding that the United States saw a danger that this could happen amid mounting Chinese military pressure, including aircraft carrier drills, near the island.

“From my limited understanding of American decision-makers watching developments in this region, they clearly see the danger of the possibility of China launching an attack against Taiwan,” Joseph Wu had told reporters at his ministry.

“We are willing to defend ourselves without any questions and we will fight the war if we need to fight the war. And if we need to defend ourselves to the very last day we will defend ourselves to the very last day,” he added.