We are a territorial species my friends.
If we concede somewhere everyone will want their share of the appeasement pie,
Link: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/us-warns-it-will-defend-ally-if-china-breaks-sea-ruling/ar-AAZtz6W?ocid=msedgntp&cvid=0225a8c4f44f4cb4b5ff505e6eb31c9e
Taiwan is just a card to play and of course Taiwan is dealing of media, therefore attracts more public attention. But the potential war between U.S. and China is more likely about South China sea than about Taiwan.
I rank the following issues with possibility of war between China and U.S.
1. South China sea
2. Taiwan
3. Senkaku Islands. This one starts between China and Japan. But because of defense agreement with Japan, U.S. is obligated to join the war
4. North vs South Korea war.
However in saying that above, this time Blinken's talk is purely rhtoric. He is just playing game. Because we are losing Philippines to China now. Philippines now has the most China-friendly government in it's history and very anti America. Actually we are losing the whole southeast Asia to China.