Joe Biden's Latest In Series Of Mixed Messages On Taiwan

Joe Biden's statement is latest in a series of mixed messages about Taiwan.

President Joe Biden on Tuesday clarified his apparent reference to an "independent" Taiwan, saying the US position on Chinese sovereignty has not changed.

Biden's latest in a series of mixed messages about the island -- a democracy outside of Beijing's control that China claims as part of its territory -- came the day after a virtual summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Asked if they'd made progress on Taiwan, which has close unofficial relations with the United States, Biden said he "made very clear" his support for current US law.

Under the Taiwan Act, the United States does not recognize Taiwan's independence, yet commits to helping the island defend itself.