Second Biden-Xi Meeting：Taiwan Independence Has Less Room for Ambiguity
China Times Editorial, March 19, 2022
In face of the historical turning point of the Russia-Ukraine War, President Joe Biden of the United States and Chinese President Xi Jinping had a video call on March 18. Their talk focused on the Ukraine crisis, the U.S.-China strategic competitive relationship and even the reconstruction of new world orders. China and the United States have their own goals and strategic thinking, not to mention other major differences. Nevertheless, the fact that Biden and Xi are still willing to engage in a dialogue in such difficult times naturally has its own significance. After several rounds of talks, the Biden administration’s “One China” policy gradually became clearer, leaving less room for ambiguity regarding “Taiwan’s independence”.
Before the call took place, American officials and western media believed that Biden and Xi’s second video call will focus on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. It turned out that China had a different agenda in mind. In his opening remarks, Xi Jinping said, “As permanent members of the United Nations (UN) Security Council and the world’s two largest economies, China and the United States must not only lead the development of U.S.-China relations on the right track, but also undertake due international responsibilities to contribute to world peace and prosperity.” Clearly the U.S.-China bilateral relationship is top priority for China. The Taiwan issue is especially sensitive and even more important than the Ukraine issue.
Senior U.S. official described the 110-minute meeting between Biden and Xi as “direct, substantive and detailed.” However, there were no common grounds or concrete results on the Ukraine issue. Although Biden warned Xi about the implications and consequences if China provided Russia material assistance, he did not make any specific demands. Neither did China make any promises other than generally commenting that the Ukraine crisis is something China does not wish to see, state-to-state relations should not go to the point of war, and that confrontations are not in anyone’s interests.
In previous high-level U.S.-China talks, China always takes the initiative to give warnings concerning the Taiwan issue while the United States passively reiterates the “One China” policy. Similar reactions from both sides have become a fixed pattern. Ever since the Ukraine crisis, China’s stance and speech opposing Taiwan’s independence have become fiercer. In addition to firmly expressing his opposition to Taiwan’s independence, Xi also warned that “the U.S. has misread and misjudged China’s strategic intentions.” Xi further indicated that, at present, U.S.-China relations have not yet overcome the dilemma created by the previous U.S. administration, but have encountered more and more challenges. It is especially dangerous when some Americans continue to send wrong messages to pro-Taiwan independence forces. Xi hopes that the United States will pay sufficient attention to the Taiwan issue. If the United States does not handle the Taiwan issue properly, then it will cause a “subversive” impact to their relationship.
According to the White House press release and briefings by a U.S. senior official, Biden reiterated that the U.S. policy towards Taiwan has not changed. Biden promised to commit to the “One China” policy guided by the three Joint Communiques, the Six Assurances and the “Taiwan Relations Act”. Biden also underscored that the United States strongly opposes unilateral efforts to change the status quo or undermine peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. However, according to the Chinese media report, Biden stated that the United States does not seek to fight a “new Cold War” nor change China’s system, nor oppose China through strengthening alliances, nor support “Taiwan’s independence” and does not wish to have any conflict with China. These statements are practically the same version of China’s “Four no’s and no intention”, which goes beyond what U.S. senior officials have said in the past. In response, Xi said, “I value these remarks of yours.” It seems that Xi intended to include relevant talks in the official records so that there will be no room for ambiguity regarding “Taiwan’s independence”. These records can also be used to restrain future U.S. official actions.
Palau, Taiwan’s diplomatic ally, will host the 7th “Our Ocean Conference” in April. The U.S. Department of State “recommends” Taiwan to participate in a low-key manner and avoid the use of official country names, national flags and other symbols of sovereignty at the venue. It was just last October when Blinken issued a high-profile statement encouraging all UN member states to support Taiwan’s strong and meaningful participation in the UN organizations and the international community. At the time the United States also emphasized that their action is still in line with the one China policy. As time changes, it is clear that the Biden administration’s “One China” policy is also adapting to the current situation and conditions. On a practical level, things may look less and less favorable to Taiwan.
After the September 11 attacks, the U.S. foreign policy turned completely towards “anti-terrorism”, which gave China a period of strategic opportunity in its foreign relations. With the prospect of the Ukraine crisis still unclear, the United States and the international community all expect China to play a more active and responsible role. This gives China another period of strategic opportunity. If the United States and China can seize this opportunity to work together, these two super powers will be able to construct a new world order. When the time comes, the United States will be bound to make some compromises on the Taiwan issue. Whether or not those who are pro-Taiwan independence are willing to face the reality, Taiwan’s future can already be foreseen.
From: https://www.chinatimes.com/opinion/20220319002704-262101?chdtv