NOTE: Before answering the following questions, read the info under “Background” and watch the videos under “Resources” below.

1. List the who, what, where and when of the news report.

2. How did Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen respond to Beijing’s opposition to a possible declaration of independence?

3. a) How did China’s defense ministry spokesman Wu Qian defend China’s recent military activities near Taiwan?
b) What warning did he issue?

4. How did the Biden administration respond to China’s latest threat to Taiwan?

5. What response did Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council have to China’s threat?

6. Prior to Donald Trump, previous presidents were afraid of making the Chinese communist government angry and therefore avoided selling Taiwan any large arms which would have helped the country defend itself.

(They also believed in the failed policy that if the world allowed China admittance to the World Trade Organization (WTO), it would improve China’s economy and naturally make the government more democratic. Instead, as its economy has grown, China has become more authoritarian and controlling, especially under President-for-life Xi Jin Ping.)

a) President Trump did not act based on what China's reaction would be, but did what was right for our democratic allies.  Do you think President Biden holds the same belief? Should he take the same approach to defending Taiwan? - or should he take a softer tone with actions that appease the Communist regime?

b) What is the best policy toward Taiwan and China for the U.S.? What effect, if any, would allowing Taiwan to fall to China have on America and the world in the future? Explain your answers.