As might be expected, the head of the Taiwan Economic and Cultural Office in Guam welcomed President Biden's unexpected pledge that the U.S. would defend Taiwan against an attack by China.

Director General Paul Chen says America had already promised to supply weapons for Taiwan's self-defense, and Biden's recent comments offer more reassurance, as do recent moves by congress.

"That will be also the interest of the United States to defend Taiwan cause Taiwan should be the most loyal ally to the United States in west Pacific region," he said. "So we are very happy that President Biden has this statement. Keep the Taiwan safe also benefit the United States. Recently in congress there's another act that's going to give more protection to Taiwan, to support Taiwan. and I believ

e it may not be passed in this session but next year may happen. So I think that's very good gesture. Again, U.S. Congress always supports Taiwan."

But President Biden's comments surprised many as it went beyond long-standing U.S. policy which views the Taiwan-Beijing issue as an internal dispute, and stops short of declaring that the U.S. would intervene to defend Taiwan. Meanwhile, Chen said would not comment on the impact a Chinese attack on Taiwan might have on Guam, but it's clear the ramifications would be wide-spread.

"If Taiwan is under attack by China, no one is safe in this region," Chen said." "In the national strategy, the first island chain is Japan, Korea and Taiwan. Guam is the second island chain so how can we all work together our interests is, we share the same interests for the security and prosperity here."

President Biden made the comment during an exclusive interview Monday on CBS 60-minutes.