I think it is vitally important that the United States continue to be the party working toward the status quo, maintaining the status quo, not being the party that is somehow changing our approach or our framework or our actions.

I appreciate that. You in your opening statement mentioned it, both Senator Romney and I mentioned it, but that fundamental architecture from 45 years ago, the Taiwan Relations Act.

we will use all the tools at our disposal to ensure that Taiwan has the ability to defend itself

part of China's stated strategy is to, as they describe it, reunify with Taiwan including by force, not--certainly not ruling out force.

We are not the party that is seeking to change the status quo in the region.

We think it is in our national interest to clarify that for friends around the world.

part of China's stated strategy is to, as they describe it, reunify with Taiwan including by force, not--certainly not ruling out force.

I hope that the people of Taiwan recognize that we are their friends, that we are anxious for them to be able to determine their own course.

I think it is vitally important that the United States continue to be the party working toward the status quo, maintaining the status quo, not being the party that is somehow changing our approach or our framework or our actions.

If there were an all out military action, I agree with Senator Romney, the economic consequences would be terrible for all.

We recently had the Japanese Prime Minister Kishida here in the United States for a state visit--addressed a joint session of Congress.

We recently had the Japanese Prime Minister Kishida here in the United States for a state visit--addressed a joint session of Congress.

If there were an all out military action, I agree with Senator Romney, the economic consequences would be terrible for all.

We are not the party that is seeking to change the status quo in the region.

I am completely confident that China knows the depth of our concern and our fundamental national interests at stake in maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.

we will use all the tools at our disposal to ensure that Taiwan has the ability to defend itself

I am completely confident that China knows the depth of our concern and our fundamental national interests at stake in maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.

The United States would view any attempt to change the status quo by other than peaceful means as something that is of grave concern to the United States.