Staff Reports
In a press conference during his visit to Vietnam, President Joe Biden expressed his belief that China’s economic woes may prevent the country from attempting an invasion of Taiwan. He pointed out that China’s current economic situation has significantly weakened its capacity for such a move. President Biden also shared his hope to meet with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in the near future, highlighting that he has spent more time with Xi than any other world leader in the past 12 years.
When asked about the lack of a meeting with Xi in the last 10 months, President Biden acknowledged that the Chinese Communist Party leader has been preoccupied with youth unemployment and economic difficulties. However, he clarified that his staff has been in contact with Xi’s people, and he met with his number-two person during his visit to India. President Biden emphasized that the absence of a personal conversation does not indicate a crisis in the relationship.
Furthermore, President Biden stated that the United States has no intention of hurting or severing ties with China. However, he mentioned that the U.S. would refrain from selling materials that could potentially enhance China’s nuclear weapons capabilities. Despite concerns over Beijing’s potential aggression towards Taiwan, President Biden expressed doubt that China would proceed with an invasion due to its current economic challenges.
President Biden said that #China's economic woes may hinder the country from invading self-ruling #Taiwan, as the situation could mean that #Beijing no longer possesses the capacity it once had. https://t.co/rMUoCipnIb
— The Epoch Times – China Insider (@EpochTimesChina) September 11, 2023
The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) considers Taiwan a renegade province that must be reunified with mainland China through any means necessary. The CCP has been ramping up military pressure on Taiwan, with almost daily incursions into the island’s airspace. Taiwan’s military has responded by closely monitoring Chinese warplanes and ships using aircraft, navy vessels, and land-based missile systems.
Gordon Chang, an American journalist and author known for his book “The Coming Collapse of China,” believes that China’s domestic problems may lead President Xi Jinping to launch an invasion against Taiwan. Chang highlighted issues such as debt defaults, plummeting property prices, a deteriorating economy, food shortages, and failing local governments. He suggested that President Xi could resort to a war as a distraction from the country’s internal challenges. Taiwanese Foreign Minister Joseph Wu also expressed concerns about China’s potential moves against Taiwan in 2027, as President Xi might view aggression as a way to establish a legacy during his fourth term.
