Biden plans to send U.S. delegation to Taiwan, FT reports

According to the news agency, the Biden administration has proposed to lead a bipartisan delegation to Taiwan composed of former Deputy Secretary of State from the Democratic Party, James Steinberg, and former National Security Advisor from the Republican Party, Stephen Hadley.

The delegation will consist of a total of five individuals.

Previously, Biden has dispatched delegations to Taiwan; however, this one is distinct in that it will be sent immediately after the elections in Taipei.

Prior delegations were meant to showcase U.S. support for Taiwan. However, the visit of the new U.S. delegation might negatively impact relations between Taiwan and China.

As noted by the FT source, Biden's decision regarding the delegation was a risky move that could backfire.

"The paramount US goal at this sensitive time should be to encourage restraint by both Beijing and Taipei. Sending such a high-level delegation looks like a bear hug to Taipei, giving Beijing cover to overreact. We need more subtle actions to be effective," the news agency writes.

Taiwan-China conflict

China views Taiwan as a separatist province and seeks to regain complete control over it. The island nation, in turn, considers itself independent, with a separate economy and democratically elected leaders.

Recently, there has been news about China ramping up military activity near the island country, and Chinese leader Xi Jinping mentioned the inevitable reunification of Taiwan with the PRC. Specifically, the latter pledged to vehemently resist any attempts to separate the island.

In response, Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen stated that her country's relationship with China should be determined by the people's will and that the world should be based on dignity.