Taiwan-US relations: Biden vows to protect island in event of Chinese attack

Asked twice throughout CNN's city corridor whether or not the US would protect Taiwan if China attacked, Biden stated it will.

A White House official tried to make clear Biden's feedback on Taiwan after the city corridor, saying the President was "not announcing any change in our policy and there is no change in our policy" in his remarks about China and Taiwan.

"The U.S. defense relationship with Taiwan is guided by the Taiwan Relations Act. We will uphold our commitment under the Act, we will continue to support Taiwan's self-defense, and we will continue to oppose any unilateral changes to the status quo," the official stated.

Biden stated Thursday he was not involved about an intentional navy battle with China — however indicated he was frightened about unintentional escalation.

"China, Russia and the rest of the world knows we have the most powerful military in history of the world. Don't worry about whether they're going to be more powerful," he stated. "But you do have to worry about whether or not they're going to engage in activities put them in a position where they may make a serious mistake."

Biden, citing his relationship with Xi, stated he wasn't wanting to enter a protracted battle.

"I have spoken and spent more time with Xi Jinping than any other world leader has. That's why you hear people saying Biden wants to start a new cold war with China. I don't want a cold war with China. I want China to understand that we are not going to step back and change any of our views."

This story has been up to date with further reporting.