President Joe Biden claimed “We do not support independence” for Taiwan when asked for comments after the victory of Democratic Progressive Party candidate Lai Ching-te in Taiwan’s presidential elections Saturday.
Lai’s DPP supports maintaining the status quo for Taiwan, and his candidacy was opposed by Beijing.
After congratulating Lai on his victory, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the United States “is committed to maintaining cross-strait peace and stability, and the peaceful resolution of differences, free from coercion and pressure.”
Taiwan expects Beijing to put political and economic pressure on the island, including military drills in the Taiwan Strait, before Lai takes office on May 20.
