As tensions between Taipei and Beijing have risen, Joe Biden said on Tuesday that he spoke with Chinese President Xi Jinping regarding Taiwan and agreed to abide by the Taiwan accord.
"I've discussed Taiwan with Xi. We agree... we'll follow through on the Taiwan accord "he stated
"We made it clear that I don't think he should be doing anything other than abiding by the agreement." she says.
Mr. Biden appeared to be referring to the United States' long-standing 'One China policy,' in which it recognizes Beijing rather than Taipei, and the Taiwan Relations Act, which states that the US decision to establish diplomatic ties with Beijing rather than Taiwan is based on the expectation that the future of Taiwan will be decided peacefully.
The remarks, given to reporters at the White House after Mr. Biden returned from a trip to Michigan to hawk a spending package, come amid escalating tensions between Taiwan and China.
China claims Taiwan as its territory, and if necessary, it should be conquered by force. Taiwan claims independence and vows to safeguard its liberties and democracy, blaming the tensions on China.
Over four days beginning on Friday, Taiwan recorded 148 Chinese air force planes in the southern and southwestern parts of its air-defense zone, coinciding with China's National Day.
On Sunday, the United States urged China to halt its military activities near Taiwan.
"The United States is very concerned by the People's Republic of China's provocative military activity near Taiwan, which is destabilising, risks miscalculations, and undermines regional peace and stability," said State Department spokesman Ned Price on Sunday.
Mr. Biden also appeared to be referring to a 90-minute phone discussion he had with Mr. Xi in September, their first in seven months, during which they emphasized the need to avoid war between the world's two largest economies.
Meanwhile, a group of French senators led by a former defense minister arrived in Taiwan on Wednesday, where they will meet with President Tsai Ing-wen the next day.
"The senators are making the visit despite threats from the Chinese ambassador to France, showing their steadfast commitment to the spirit of freedom and democracy," France's foreign ministry stated.
China opposes the visit, claiming it will harm China's interests and relations with France.
