TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Former U.S. President Donald Trump criticized incumbent President Joe Biden on Monday (Jan. 1) for his soft response to threats against Taiwan by Chinese President Xi Jinping, and questioned Biden's decision to vacation during this tense period.
Xi had stated in his New Year's message for 2024 last Sunday, that unifying with Taiwan was inevitable.
The Chinese president proclaimed that "the motherland's unification is a historical inevitability, and compatriots on both sides of the Straits must join hands and hearts to share in the great glory of national rejuvenation."
Xi's remarks drew international attention, particularly in Europe and the U.S., where most people enjoy the New Year holiday.
Following these comments, Trump's team issued a statement accusing Biden of insufficient response to Xi's war threats against Taiwan while vacationing in St. Croix.
The U.S., to date, maintains "strategic ambiguity" about defending Taiwan, but since taking office, Biden has made at least four clear statements indicating that U.S. forces would be sent to help if China invaded Taiwan.