Biden to send delegation to Taiwan after island’s election

The Biden administration will send an unofficial delegation to Taiwan after the island’s election this Saturday, in a move that is likely to irritate Beijing.

TAIPEI, Taiwan — The Biden administration will send an unofficial delegation to Taiwan after the island’s presidential and legislative elections this Saturday, in a move that is likely to irritate Beijing.

The results could drive the self-ruling democracy further toward or away from Beijing, which claims Taiwan as its territory. China, which has not ruled out the use of force in its effort to unify with the island, has framed the election as “a choice between war and peace.”

The status of Taiwan is among the most sensitive issues between China and the United States, the island’s most important international backer.

A senior Biden administration official confirmed the planned delegation Wednesday but did not provide details, saying its exact timing and makeup were still being decided.  

The official, briefing reporters on the condition of anonymity, said such delegations were “the most effective way” for the U.S. to engage with Taiwan, with which it has unofficial relations, and that they contribute to peace and stability.

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/biden-send-delegation-taiwan-election-rcna133390

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