Biden says U.S. would defend Taiwan against Chinese invasion

President Joe Biden says U.S. forces would defend Taiwan if China tries to invade the self-ruled island claimed by Beijing as part of its territory, adding to displays of official American support for the island democracy.

Biden said “yes” when asked during an interview broadcast Sunday on CBS News’s 60 Minutes program whether “U.S. forces, U.S. men and women would defend Taiwan in the event of a Chinese invasion.”

Asked to comment, a White House spokesperson said U.S. policy toward Taiwan had not changed. That policy says Washington wants to see Taiwan’s status resolved peacefully but doesn’t say whether U.S. forces might be sent in