'We do not support Taiwan independence': Blinken reiterates Biden admin's support of 'One China' policy

During his trip to China this week, Secretary of State Antony Blinken reiterated the Biden administration's support of the "One China" policy.

Blinken stated at a Monday press conference in Beijing, "We do not support Taiwan independence."

"We remain opposed to any unilateral changes to the status quo by either side," Blinken added. "We continue to expect the peaceful resolution of cross-strait differences. We remain committed to continuing our responsibilities under the Taiwan Relations Act, including making sure Taiwan has the ability to defend itself."

The secretary of state briefly commented on China's increased aggression toward Taiwan. Last week, 10 Chinese warplanes crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait, forcing Taiwan's military to scramble to send up its own jets.

"At the same time, we and many others have deep concerns about some of the provocative actions that China has taken in recent years going back to 2016," Blinken continued. "And the reason that this is a concern for so many countries, not just the United States, is that were there to be a crisis over Taiwan, the likelihood is that could produce an economic crisis that could affect quite literally the entire world."

Blinken noted the volume of large container ships that pass through the Taiwan Strait and that Taiwan manufactures 70% of the world's semiconductors.

"If as a result of a crisis that was taken offline, it would have dramatic consequences for virtually every country around the world," he stated.

Blinken denying support for Taiwan's independence comes amid increased tensions between the U.S. and China. The secretary of state's trip aimed to "stabilize" relations.

Earlier this month, a video released by the U.S. military showed a Chinese warship cutting in front of an American destroyer in the Taiwan Strait. The close encounter, one of several recent provocations, forced the destroyer to slow down to avoid a collision with the warship.

According to Blinken, the first Cabinet-level official to visit China since 2019, U.S. and China relations took a "positive step" during his two-day trip. He noted that Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang has agreed to visit the U.S. at a "suitable time" in the future.

"We have no illusions about the challenges of this relationship. There are many issues on which we profoundly and even vehemently disagree," Blinken stated. "The United States has a long history of successfully managing complicated relationships through diplomacy."

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