President Joe Biden stated on Thursday evening that the United States would defend Taiwan if China attacked the island nation. Asked about coming to Taipei's defense during a CNN town hall, Biden said "Yes, we have a commitment to do that."

He was most likely alluding to the Taiwan Relations Act of 1979, which governs US-Taiwan relations. The Three Communiques, which are bilateral accords with China, have also had an impact on relations.

Although none of the accords expressly indicate that the United States will defend Taiwan, the Biden administration has stated that its commitment to Taiwan is "rock solid."

The Taiwan Relations Act says the US "will make available to Taiwan such defense articles and defense services in such quantity as may be necessary to enable Taiwan to maintain a sufficient self-defense capability."