During his townhall on CNN on Thursday night, where Biden took a selection of prepared questions from a friendly audience. One of those questions was about the tensions building with China over Taiwan.

“China just tested a hypersonic missile. What will you do to keep up with them militarily and can you vow to protect Taiwan?”

“Yes and yes,” the President answered.

“I don’t want a cold war with China, I just want China to understand that we are not going to step back, we are not going to change any of our views—”

“So you’re saying that the United States would come to Taiwan’s defense if China attacked.”

“Yes,” Biden affirmed. “Yes, we have a commitment to do that,” he said.

After this, the White House issued a statement to say that in fact there was no US policy change as regards Taiwan.