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China condemned the United States on Monday after President Joe Biden warned that the US would intervene militarily to defend Taiwan if Beijing attempted a takeover of the island, CNN reported.

During a joint news conference with Japan’s prime minister, Biden said that it was “(not) appropriate” if the island of 23 million was taken by force. He compared the potential invasion of Taiwan to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine earlier this year, adding that such a move “will dislocate the entire region.”

Chinese officials swiftly criticized Biden’s comments, which were made during his trip to Asia aimed at uniting allies to counter Beijing’s rising influence. They warned that there was “no room for compromise” when it came to China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Meanwhile, Taiwanese officials praised Biden and the US government for “reiterating its rock-solid commitment to Taiwan.”

Taiwan is located less than 110 miles off the coast of mainland China. For decades, the two sides have been governed separately but this hasn’t stopped China’s ruling Communist Party from claiming the island as part of its territory under its “One China” policy.

While the US acknowledges China’s position, it has never fully recognized Beijing’s claim to the island and has provided the latter with weapons over the years.

Even so, Washington has long remained intentionally vague about whether it would intervene in Taiwan in the event of a Chinese attack – until now.

Biden’s statements came a day before the US president is scheduled to attend the second in-person summit of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue – an informal group that includes the US, Japan, Australia and India – and one that has alarmed Beijing.