Significant numbers of Chinese warplanes, both fighter jets and bombers, in recent days have been conducting provocative incursions across the unofficial dividing line in the Taiwan Strait separating Taiwan from the mainland.
"If Taiwan separatist forces dare to attempt Taiwan's secession under any circumstances, we will do whatever it takes to thwart their efforts," he said.
Chinese threats against Taiwan increased after the recent visit to Taiwan by Undersecretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy and the Environment Keith Krach, who visited the island for the funeral of Taiwanese President Lee Teng-hui.
"Taiwan needs to demonstrate resolve and will, and I think that Taiwan is starting to move in that direction," Mr. O'Brien said.
"We want to see peace across the Taiwan Strait and we want to see the mainland and Taiwan getting along and have great relations." Mr. O'Brien said China's recent aggressiveness are being watched around the world.
Asked if the United States would defend Taiwan from a mainland attack, Mr. O'Brien said: "China knows our position on that and it's been consistent and clear across Republican and Democratic administration's since the Taiwan defense act, since we switched our recognition from Taipei to Beijing. They understand our position and there have been no change in this administration. That's been conveyed to them very clearly." The 1979 Taiwan Relations Act does not explicitly obligate a U.S. defense of Taiwan.
The act states that the United States will "Maintain the capacity of the United States to resist any resort to force or other forms of coercion that would jeopardize the security, or the social or economic system, of the people on Taiwan." On the subject of the China's mishandling of the deadly coronavirus pandemic, Mr. O'Brien said the president has said China should be held accountable for the disease and the economic consequences.
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2020/sep/27/national-security-adviser-robert-obrien-after-hong/
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