"We have the most powerful military in the history of the world," Biden was quoted as saying in a statement issued by White House.

"Don’t worry about whether we’re going to — they’re going to be more powerful.  What you do have to worry about is whether or not they’re going to engage in activities that will put them in a position where there — they may make a serious mistake," he said.

"I just want to make China understand that we are not going to step back.  We are not going to change any of our views," he said.

"Yes, we have a commitment to do that," Biden said on Thursday when asked if the United States would defend Taiwan if China attacked the country.