White House prepares for Taiwan presidential elections and 'period of higher tension'

• The U.S. reinforced its message of support for Taiwanese democracy as the self-governing island's presidential election nears.
• China has called on the U.S. to stop arming Taiwan and oppose the island's independence.
• The outcome of Taiwan's presidential election Saturday will have a major impact on the island's relationship with both China and the U.S.

The Biden administration doubled down on its support for Taiwan's democratic process ahead of a presidential election on the island that will serve as a bellwether of mainland China's creeping influence over Taiwan, which China claims as its territory.

A senior Chinese liaison to Taiwan warned recently that Saturday's election would be a choice between "peace and war." Beijing has also cautioned Washington not to get involved.

The election results will have ripple effects on geopolitics and global trade. Depending on the outcome, they could also trigger an increase in Chinese military activity in and around the island.

The White House is preparing for several different outcomes.

"Anytime we're heading into a period of higher tension, there are of course always contingency conversations in the U.S. government," a senior administration official said late Wednesday on a briefing with reporters.

"I don't want to get into specifics on those, but of course, we have to be prepared and thinking through any eventuality ... ranging from no response to the higher end," the official said.

The White House insists that the United States does not endorse any of the top three candidates. This does not mean Washington is staying entirely on the sidelines, however.

An "unofficial delegation" of Americans will travel to Taiwan's capital, Taipei, immediately after the election to reinforce its