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NEW WARFRONT TAIWAN: Biden says not ruling out use of U.S. forces

President Joe Biden issued a renewed warning to China over Taiwan in an interview published Tuesday, saying the U.S. military could be used to defend the self-ruled democratic island in the event of a Chinese invasion.

Asked by Time magazine what kinds of options could be on the table, including whether they might involve boots on the ground, Biden said, "It would depend on the circumstances."

It is not the first time Biden has touched on the possibility, angering China, which claims Taiwan as its own territory.

Biden said he has made clear to Chinese President Xi Jinping the long-standing policy under which Washington refrains from seeking independence for Taiwan but will stand behind it if Beijing unilaterally tries to change the status quo, adding, "We've been in consultation with our allies in the region."

"Not ruling out using U.S. military force. There's a distinction between deploying on the ground, air power and naval power," he said in the magazine's exclusive interview, conducted at the White House on May 28, which centered on American leadership in a changing world.

Biden stopped short of saying if the U.S. military would launch strikes from its bases in Japan or the Philippines. He said, "I can't get into that. You would then criticize me with good reason if I were to tell you."

U.S. Central Intelligence Agency Director William Burns has said Xi instructed his country's military to be ready to invade Taiwan by 2027.

China sharply reacted to Biden's latest comments, with Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning telling reporters Wednesday, "No pressure or threat will erode the determination, will and ability of the Chinese government and people to defend China's sovereignty and territorial integrity."

Reiterating that Taiwan is "an inalienable part of China," Mao urged Washington to "stop sending any wrong signals to 'Taiwan independence' separatist forces."

Taiwan remains a major source of contention between the United States and China, even as Biden and Xi have agreed to ease tensions stemming from geopolitical rivalry and intense economic competition.

The United States has maintained unofficial relations with Taiwan even after changing its diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing in 1979. It also supplies the island with arms to maintain sufficient self-defense capabilities.

Biden also made some disparaging comments on China's economy while citing its aging population, saying, "Where is it going to grow? You've got an economy that's on the brink there. The idea that their economy is booming? Give me a break."

He went on to say that Xi's signature Belt and Road global infrastructure drive has become a "nuisance graveyard initiative."

Biden reiterated in the interview that expanding cooperation with decades-old European and Asian allies, as well as strengthening relations with developing countries, will be critical in maintaining U.S. leadership in the international community.

On Japan, Biden said he was able to convince Tokyo that Washington is "not walking away from" its key Asian ally.

"Because Japan, collected with us, is a source of great economic strength and stability, physical stability for both of us," he said.