When US President Joseph Biden said, recently, that the US would defend Taiwan if the People's Republic of China (PRC) invaded, it highlighted a simmering conflict and US strategies to mobilize allies.

These issues will be addressed during a Great Decisions on Foreign Policy discussion on Sunday, June 12, 2 p.m., at the Unitarian Universalist Meetinghouse.

The program is the last in a five-part series on important foreign policy issues. It is sponsored by the Bennington Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) and the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship.

Participants will have a chance to prepare by reading material before the session and a 30-minute video from the Foreign Policy Association will start the 90-minute session.

The US has a long and complicated relationship with the People's Republic of China. In 1972, after decades of isolating the PRC, President Richard Nixon went to Beijing and the US recognized the PRC as the one China. In a delicate balance, Taiwan was seen as part of China, but was not to be taken over by force. Of late PRC has become more aggressive about Taiwan and shipping in the Taiwan Strait.

China was also at the center of an economic "war" during the Trump administration when tariffs were put in place to create economic strain for PRC.

In the meantime, the US has been working closely with allies such as Japan, Australia and India--the Quad--to develop a regional strategy to address China's political and economic power.

A briefing book with material about the US, China and the "Quad" alliance is available to purchase or for use at the Bennington Free Library.

The program will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 108 School St., Bennington. Access by Zoom is also available at http://bit.ly/GreatDecisions2022.

Great Decisions is free and open to the public,