Biden Affirms US Doesn't Support Taiwanese Independence

US President Joe Biden (Source: Commons Wikimedia)

JAKARTA - US President Joe Biden, Saturday (13/1), said Washington did not support Taiwan's independence when the islands elected William Lai Ching-te as the next leader, according to media reports.

"We do not support independence for Taiwan", Biden told reporters after the election results were announced in Taipei, which China says "cannot represent the 'general' opinion in Taiwan." Quoted by Antara.

Biden's comments came as he departed from the White House for Camp David, according to Politico.com.

Lai led the ruling Democratic Progressive Parti (DPP) to a third successive victory that had never happened before.

Lai's 64-year-old deputy leader won the election by 40.1 percent.

However, the DPP lost seats in the Legislative Council and earned 51 seats. Kuomtang's main opposition, winning 52 and eight seats was obtained by the Taiwanese People's Party.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken previously said: "We congratulate Dr. Lai Ching-te for his victory in the Taiwan election.

"We also congratulate the Taiwanese who participated in the free and fair elections and showed the strength of their democratic system."

However, China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs raised the "Taiwan question" as the country's "domestic affairs".

"The principle of one China is a solid foundation for peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. We believe that the international community will continue to adhere to China's first principles, and understand and support China's people's fair goals in opposing 'Taiwan independence' separatist activities and efforts to achieve national reunification," he said.

China regards Taiwan as a "separated province" but Taipei has insisted on defending its independence since 1949, and enjoys diplomatic relations with 13 countries.

In his speech shortly after the victory, Lai called for "exchange and cooperation with China" on the basis of "martamic and equality."

The elected leader promised to "replace confrontation with dialogue."