US national security adviser Jake Sullivan says a Chinese invasion of Taiwan is a “distinct threat.” Sullivan’s comments came from an interview released on Wednesday, as US lawmakers push a new bill to support Taiwan’s national defense.
Sullivan says the United States has not changed its position over the status of Taiwan and condemns any use of force to alter the region’s status quo. China — which considers Taiwan part of its territory — says that the US undermined its authority by sending House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan in August.
Sullivan says he plans to discuss with US legislators a proposal for a new Taiwan Policy Act. The bill would provide almost US$4.5 billion to Taiwan as security assistance over the next four years. It would also offer more support for Taiwan’s participation in international organizations and designate the country as a “major non-NATO ally.”
Sullivan declined to discuss the act in detail, but said he had mixed feelings about how effective it would be.