Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen confirmed U.S. soldier were in the country, according to a rare interview with CNN this week.

“Here is this island of 23 million people trying hard every day to protect ourselves and protect our democracy and making sure that our people have the kind of freedom they deserve,” she said.

A pleasure to talk with @WillRipleyCNN & to tell @CNNi what makes #Taiwan important to the world. In the face of unrelenting pressure, Taiwan is committed to defending democracy & contributing to the international community. https://t.co/8s8CK74uXt pic.twitter.com/0GWcVY16nH

— 蔡英文 Tsai Ing-wen (@iingwen) October 28, 2021

The president also believed the U.S. would support the nation against Chinese takeover “given the long-term relationship we have with the U.S.”

Taiwan has operated independently for more than 70 years as a democracy despite pressure from communist China.

China continues to increase its presence in the area, including military warships. CNN reported 150 fighters flew in Taiwan’s airspace during the first five days of October.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said this week, “Taiwan is a critical partner to the United States and a democratic success story. Taiwan should have meaningful participation in the @UN system, especially as we face an unprecedented number of global challenges.”

Taiwan is a critical partner to the United States and a democratic success story. Taiwan should have meaningful participation in the @UN system, especially as we face an unprecedented number of global challenges.

— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) October 26, 2021

The small island of Taiwan is causing big issues between the U.S. and China. Whether it will be big enough for Biden to act in a time of trouble is yet to be known.