Biden says the US will defend Taiwan in the event of a military conflict between the island and China.

Sputnik - According to him, however, even with the current military cooperation with the island, the US is not encouraging Taiwan to gain independence from China.

"We do not encourage Taiwan to gain independence from China despite cooperation with the island," Biden stated in an interview with CBS television.

Regarding Moscow, the president told the media that he sees the US economy "in better shape than Russia's" at the moment.

"We, the United States, are in much better shape than anyone else, and particularly in relation to Russia," he declared.

In the interview, he also commented that he has not yet made a final decision about seeking a second presidential term in 2024, but admitted that he intends to try.

"To begin with, my intention is to run again, but that's just an intention. But as for a firm decision that I will run again, we'll see," he said.