By Caribbean News Global 
USA / CHINA – Speaking with reporters on November 16, president Joe Biden said he told Chinese president Xi Jinping in their virtual meeting on November 15 that the US would abide by the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA). He then said of Taiwan: “It’s independent. It makes its own decisions.” Hours later, Biden clarified that “we are not encouraging independence” and that “we’re not going to change our policy at all.” When asked specifically about the “independent” comment, Biden replied: “I said that they have to decide, they, Taiwan, not us.”
“We’re encouraging that they do exactly what the Taiwan Act requires,” he said, apparently referring to the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act (TRA) that has served as a cornerstone of US policy toward Taiwan since official diplomatic ties were severed that year. That’s what we’re doing. Let them make up their mind, Period,” Biden emphasized.
Chinese readouts of the Biden-Xi summit, however, said Biden “was opposed to” Taiwan’s independence and said Xi warned that those playing with fire around Taiwan “would inevitably burn themselves.”
The comments came after Biden, in his virtual meeting with president Xi, underscored that the US “strongly opposes unilateral efforts to change the status quo or undermine peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait,” according to a White House readout of the meeting.
The following is the White House readout:
“President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. met virtually on November 15 with president Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China (PRC). The two leaders discussed the complex nature of relations between our two countries and the importance of managing competition responsibly. As in previous discussions, the two leaders covered areas where our interests align, and areas where our interests, values, and perspectives diverge. President Biden welcomed the opportunity to speak candidly and straightforwardly to president Xi about our intentions and priorities across a range of issues.
President Biden underscored that the United States will continue to stand up for its interests and values and, together with our allies and partners, ensure the rules of the road for the 21st century advance an international system that is free, open, and fair. He emphasized the priority he places on far-reaching investments at home while we align with allies and partners abroad to take on the challenges of our time.
President Biden raised concerns about the PRC’s practices in Xinjiang, Tibet, and Hong Kong, as well as human rights more broadly. He was clear about the need to protect American workers and industries from the PRC’s unfair trade and economic practices. He also discussed the importance of a free and open Indo-Pacific, and communicated the continued determination of the United States to uphold our commitments in the region. President Biden reiterated the importance of freedom of navigation and safe overflight to the region’s prosperity. On Taiwan, president Biden underscored that the United States remains committed to the “one China” policy, guided by the Taiwan Relations Act, the three Joint Communiques, and the Six Assurances, and that the United States strongly opposes unilateral efforts to change the status quo or undermine peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.
“President Biden also underscored the importance of managing strategic risks. He noted the need for common-sense guardrails to ensure that competition does not veer into conflict and to keep lines of communication open. He raised specific transnational challenges where our interests intersect, such as health security. In particular, the two leaders discussed the existential nature of the climate crisis to the world and the important role that the United States and the PRC play. They also discussed the importance of taking measures to address global energy supplies. The two leaders also exchanged views on key regional challenges, including DPRK, Afghanistan, and Iran. Finally, they discussed ways for the two sides to continue discussions on a number of areas, with president Biden underscoring the importance of substantive and concrete conversations.”
Meanwhile, Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) expressed the Taiwan government’s gratitude toward Biden for affirming US commitments to Taiwan, while accusing China of “purposely” mischaracterizing president Biden’s statements.
Moreover, US-China Economic and Security Review Commission (USCC), an independent agency of the US government, annual report to Congress, entitled: A dangerous period for cross-traits deterrence: Chinese military capabilities and decision making for a war over Taiwan; outlined various key findings and recommendations, China’s invasion risk factors and global competitiveness.
“The US-China Economic and Security Review Commission was created by the United States Congress in October 2000 with the legislative mandate to monitor, investigate, and submit to Congress an annual report on the national security implications of the bilateral trade and economic relationship between the United States and the People’s Republic of China, and to provide recommendations, where appropriate, to Congress for legislative and administrative action,” noted USCC website.
