US President Joe Biden suggested that China’s current economic difficulties may dissuade Beijing from invading Taiwan. Speaking during a state visit to Vietnam, Biden stated that China’s “difficult economic problem” is likely to preoccupy the country and reduce its capacity for aggression towards Taiwan. He referred to China’s real estate crisis and high youth unemployment rates as economic issues that Chinese President Xi Jinping is currently grappling with. Biden’s comments came as China has been intensifying military drills around Taiwan, raising concerns about a potential invasion. While acknowledging tensions between the US and China over various issues such as tech competition and trade, Biden stated that he did not want to isolate China but rather have a transparent and stable relationship.
Relations between the US and China have been strained in recent years. Both countries have imposed restrictions on each other’s tech companies, and the US has taken steps to limit China’s access to American technology. In response, China has directed its officials not to use foreign-branded smartphones, including Apple’s iPhone. Despite these tensions, Biden emphasized his desire for a cooperative relationship with China.
The Chinese embassy in Washington DC and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the US did not provide immediate comments regarding Biden’s remarks.
Source: Business Insider