U.S. Defense Secretary Austin said in an interview that President Biden's intention to protect Taiwan was "clear" and emphasized that the U.S. military is "ready to safeguard American interests and fulfill our commitments."

(Reuters file photo)

[Compiled by Mao Yi/Comprehensive Report] US Secretary of Defense Austin stated in the CNN program "Fareed Zakaria GPS" (Fareed Zakaria GPS) broadcast on the 2nd that he believes that President Biden 9 When asked on a CBS program last month whether "American men and women" would stand up to defend Taiwan if China invaded Taiwan, they answered "yes," meaning "clear."

Austin also stressed that the U.S. military "stands ready to defend U.S. interests and fulfill our commitments."

Pledge to assist allies in maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific

Austin told the host Zakaria that although Biden was responding to a hypothetical question, his answers were clear; in addition, the US would "continue to ensure that we have the right capabilities in the right places." to ensure that we (can) assist our allies in maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific."

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Austin reiterated that the Biden administration's policy toward Taiwan and the "one China" policy "has not changed so far." According to the "Taiwan Relations Act," the United States is committed to assisting Taiwan in developing its self-defense capabilities. This work has been done for many years and will continue in the future. .

Austin admits that communication with China is not smooth

Austin also said he did not see an "imminent Chinese invasion" of Taiwan, but Chinese President Xi Jinping used the visit of U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi as an opportunity to "start trying to create a new normal."

However, the U.S. side has indeed seen a number of Chinese military planes crossing the central line of the Taiwan Strait, and the frequency is increasing day by day, and Chinese surface ships are also increasing their activities in Taiwan and its surrounding waters.

In retaliation for Pelosi's visit to Taiwan, China announced in August that it was suspending cooperation with the United States in various areas, including talks between senior military commanders.

Austin admitted that he has had phone calls and face-to-face conversations with Chinese Defense Minister Wei Fenghe since he took office, but the communication channels between the two sides are now "not smooth".

The U.S. side will do its best to hope that the two sides can cooperate.