The Return of Great Powers: Russia, China, and the Next World War

by Jim Sciutto

In October 2021, as CNN prepared for a town hall with the president, I suggested that my colleague Anderson Cooper follow up on Biden’s comments and ask him if the US would indeed come to Taiwan’s defense in the event of an attack by China. Not once, but twice, the president answered yes. “China just tested a hypersonic missile. What will you do to keep up with them militarily? And can you vow to protect Taiwan?” Cooper asked. “Yes and yes,” Biden answered, adding, “Militarily, China, Russia, and the rest of the world knows we have the most powerful military in the history of the world. . . . I don’t want a Cold War with China. I just want to make China understand that we are not going to step back. We are not going to change any of our views.”[6] “So, are you saying that the United States would come to Taiwan’s defense if China attacked?” Cooper pressed. “Yes,” Biden answered, repeating, “Yes, we have a commitment to do that.”[7]