He added: « Those have enormous implications in a variety of scenarios, including cross-strait circumstances. So I think I would argue that working closely with other nations, not just diplomatically but defense avenues, has the consequences of strengthening peace and stability. »
The partnership between the three countries was announced in 2021 and met with outrage from China. Foreign Ministry spokesperson said it « undermines regional peace and stability and intensifies the arms race. »
China, who believes Taiwan to be part of its territory, slammed AUKUS for directly targeting it and its military, however, Biden administration officials maintained it is « not aimed or about any one country ».
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Joe Biden himself also stood firm in defending the alliance despite the backlash from China. He said it marked a « historic step » in recognising « the imperative of ensuring peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific over the long term. »
Xi Jinping has previously said he would not rule out the use of froce in order to lay claim over Taiwan, a sentiment that is echoes throughout his Communist Party.
Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson Colonel Wu Qian recently told a press briefing: « Taiwan is China’s Taiwan, and there is no such thing as ‘forbidden and restricted waters’ in the Xiamen-Kinmen waters. »
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