- Nineteen prisoners use cutlery to break out of cells at Winchester prison
- France wants progress in Ukraine before Russia returns to G7
- Italy president begins talks to seek way out of government crisis
- Italian PM expected to resign as political chaos deepens
- Russia says US cruise missile test ‘regrettable’
- Kremlin - No date set for Normandy talks on Ukraine despite Macron meeting
- Egypt court hands out 6 death sentences on terror charges
- Putin says Russian nuclear explosion poses no threat
- Russian panel eyes alleged foreign interference in protests
- Gran Canaria wildfire triggers evacuation of thousands of people
- PM Johnson calls on Germany and France to compromise on Brexit
- Sudan's ex-president Bashir arrives at corruption trial
Friday, 29 October 2021 (YJC)_ Describing the two countries' strong ties, the top US envoy to Taiwan said Washington was committed to helping Taiwan defend itself.
Senior US Special Representative for Taiwan Sandra Oddkark said today (Friday) that Washington is committed to helping the country defend itself amid escalating tensions between Taipei and Beijing.
Speaking to reporters at her first news conference since taking office in June, Oedkirk described US relations with Taiwan as "strong."
According to Reuters, she, who heads the American Institute in Taiwan as the country's potential embassy in Taipei, said:
The United States is committed to helping Taiwan defend itself.
Asked whether Washington would defend Taiwan in the event of a Chinese attack, the US diplomat cited several US laws governing the country's relations with Taiwan:
The policy towards Taiwan has been clear and has remained unchanged.
According to Reuters, when asked about further details about the presence of US troops on the island, Oedkerk declined to comment on specific operations or training.
She stated in this regard:
We typically interact with our Taiwanese partners to assess vulnerabilities and assess ways we can support Taiwan in our defense.
Taiwanese President Tsai Inguen also said on Thursday morning:
I believe that American forces will help defend Taiwan, and Washington's commitment includes sending American troops to train the Taiwanese army.
Your Comment