TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — In response to a question about China's large-scale military exercises around Taiwan and potential invasion, Vice President Kamala Harris said on Wednesday (Oct. 16) that Taiwan has the right to defend itself. 

During a brief exchange with the media at Detroit Metro Airport, a reporter said China had recently conducted military exercises near Taiwan and the day after Chinese leader Xi Jinping (習近平) inspected Fujian Province, which lies just across the strait from Taiwan, escalating tensions. The reporter asked Harris what her position would be as president if China launched an invasion of Taiwan.

Harris said, “Let me restate the point I've made many times. I believe in the ‘one-China’ policy and that Taiwan has a right to defend itself.” When asked whether the US government would provide arms to Taiwan for its defense or whether she supported California’s Proposition 36, which aims to increase penalties for criminals, Harris did not respond.

On Oct. 7, in a “60 Minutes” interview on CBS News Harris said the US must maintain the “one-China” policy while “supporting Taiwan's ability to defend itself.” As for whether the US would deploy troops to defend Taiwan, Harris said she would not engage in hypothetical discussions.

She also said her administration would take steps to ensure freedom of navigation in the Taiwan Strait. The 60 Minutes interview marked Harris' first response to the issue of a potential Chinese military invasion of Taiwan since announcing her presidential candidacy.

On Monday, the People's Liberation Army (PLA) conducted the “Joint Sword-2024B” military exercises around Taiwan. According to China's state-run Xinhua News Agency, Xi conducted an inspection tour of Fujian Province on Tuesday and Wednesday.