Following the inauguration of U.S. President Joe Biden on January 20, 2021, the U.S. Department of State issued a press release urging the People’s Republic of China to “cease its military, diplomatic, and economic pressure against Taiwan” and to engage in dialogue with Taiwan’s government. This is in response to China sending 13 warplanes on Saturday and 15 on Sunday over Taiwan’s air defense identification zone in the Taiwan Strait.
While China has been conducting similar exercises since last year, the force has been the largest over this past weekend. Many observers consider these exercises to be political signals both to Taipei and Washington, especially right after Biden’s inauguration.
Taiwan’s government and people widely viewed the Trump administration as the most Taiwan-friendly in decades. In addition to harsh policies towards China, the Trump administration’s gestures included a phone call between then U.S. President-elect Trump and Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen, the visit of U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar and a senior diplomat, and U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo lifting restrictions on diplomatic contact with Taiwan just before leaving office. The outgoing U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Kelly Craft was also due to visit Taiwan before the Department of State cancelled all senior official trips. Instead, Craft held a video call with President Tsai.
There are concerns that the Biden administration would retract many of the Taiwan-friendly policies. However, U.S. officials have publicly voiced their support for Taiwan and vowed to maintain a tough stance toward China. Antony Blinken, Biden’s nominee for secretary of state, expressed his agreement with the Trump administration’s view on China but not necessarily its approach at his Senate confirmation hearing. The Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies invited Taiwan’s de facto ambassador to the U.S., Bi-khim Hsiao, to attend Biden’s inauguration, the first time Taiwan’s most senior representative received a direct invitation to attend since 1979.
Ilha Formosa - Alt om Taiwan 