CHINA-TAIWAN: BIDEN'S NOMINEE FOR U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE ANTHONY BLINKEN SAYS HE WOULD FOLLOW THROUGH ON TRUMP'S POLICY ON TAIWAN

Anthony Blinken, who has been nominated for the position of US Secretary of State, was quoted by Reuters as saying about Taiwan at his confirmation hearing at the US Senate on January 19, that the US would uphold its commitment to ensure that self-ruled Taiwan, which China sees as a renegade province, has the ability to defend itself.  He also said he would like to see Taiwan play a greater role around the world. Blinken said that in international organizations that do not require the status of a country, Taiwan should become a member, and in others that do, "there are other ways that they can participate." Blinken said he was in favour of greater engagement with Taiwan and referred to a move by Pompeo to relax restrictions on official dealings with Taipei. "I want to see that process through to conclusion if it hasn't been completed, to make sure that we're acting pursuant to the mandate in the (Taiwan Assurance) act that looks at creating more space for contacts." Blinken said he had received Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen at the State Department when she was running for office and talked to her on a number of occasions after she became president in 2016, adding: "That in and of itself I think is important."





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