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5h ago

At Munich Security Conference, Ocasio-Cortez Stumbles on Question About Defending Taiwan

The exchange sharpened questions over how Washington explains its long-standing policy of strategic ambiguity toward Taiwan.

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Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, U.S. representative for New York's 14th congressional district, speaks at a Townhall panel on populism at the 62nd Munich Security Conference on February 13, 2026 in Munich, Germany. The conference, which brings together government leaders, security experts and defence ministers, is taking place at a time when the traditional western political and military alliance is facing rupture due to the policies of U.S. President Donald Trump. (Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images)

Overview

  • - During a Munich Security Conference panel moderated by Bloomberg’s Francine Lacqua, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez hesitated when asked if the U.S. would commit troops to defend Taiwan.
  • - Ocasio-Cortez referenced a long-standing U.S. policy and said the goal is to avoid reaching a point of military confrontation, stressing economic and research policy to steer clear of conflict.
  • - U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker responded that any decision to deploy U.S. forces would be the president’s prerogative and underscored the importance of deterrence.
  • - The moment drew wide online scrutiny, with commentators including Jonah Goldberg and Chris Cillizza criticizing her response, according to the reports.
  • - The discussion unfolded as U.S. policy toward Taiwan faces intensified attention following a major U.S. arms sale in December and assertive remarks by China’s Xi Jinping in January.