US President Joe Biden said in an interview broadcast by CBS on Sunday that the US forces would defend Taiwan if it was invaded by China.
However, a White House spokesman confirmed to AFP on Sunday evening that the US policy toward Taiwan "has not changed."
In response to a question about whether "the US men and women would defend Taiwan in case of a Chinese invasion," Biden answered, "Yes, if there was an unprecedented attack."
Biden stressed however that he does not "encourage" the island to declare its independence, saying, "It is their decision."