China has urged the United States to “rectify its errors” following the removal of a statement from the State Department’s website indicating that Washington does not endorse an independent Taiwan. Beijing considers Taiwan a part of its territory and has not ruled out the use of force to achieve unification with the self-governing island. Although the United States does not formally recognize Taiwan, it remains its primary security ally. Recently, a line stating, “We do not support Taiwan independence,” was taken down from a State Department fact sheet.
The updated fact sheet maintains the U.S. opposition to unilateral changes from either Taiwan or China but now includes a mention of Taiwan’s collaboration with a Pentagon technology and semiconductor development initiative. It also states that the U.S. will support Taiwan’s participation in international organizations “where applicable.” Taipei welcomed this change as “positive and friendly,” while Washington’s unofficial embassy in Taiwan described it as “routine.” However, the terminology surrounding U.S.-Taiwan relations is particularly sensitive and has elicited a strong reaction from China.
A spokesperson for Beijing’s Taiwan affairs office commented that the alteration “sends seriously wrong signals to ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist forces and will only harm peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.” Zhu Fenglian, the spokesperson, urged the U.S. to “correct its mistakes and handle the Taiwan issue with caution.” She emphasized that no amount of collusion between Taiwan and the U.S. can alter the reality that there is only one China and that Taiwan is part of it.
This update to the State Department’s website occurred approximately three weeks after Donald Trump was inaugurated for his second term. In recent years, Beijing has intensified its pressure on Taipei, enticing away its political allies and conducting extensive military exercises around the island. While the U.S., like most nations, lacks formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan, it is bound by law to provide the island with defensive support.
A State Department spokesperson stated, “As is routine, the fact sheet was updated to inform the general public about our unofficial relationship with Taiwan.” The spokesperson reaffirmed, “The United States is committed to preserving peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.” Trump’s return to office has disrupted the delicate diplomatic equilibrium, with Taiwanese leaders attempting to align with his transactional approach. His comments suggesting that Taiwan should compensate the U.S. for protection and blaming the island for issues in the American chip industry have heightened tensions.
