The United States has made a significant change to its official stance on Taiwan by removing the statement that Washington “does not support Taiwan independence” from a State Department fact sheet. This revision, appearing in the latest update of the department’s Taiwan policy page, has sparked widespread debate about whether the US is subtly shifting its position on Taiwan amid rising tensions with China. The Taiwanese government has welcomed the change, describing it as “positive and friendly,” while Beijing has strongly condemned it as a “serious regression” in US policy. Despite the reactions from both sides, the US has played down the significance of the move, insisting that the update was routine and does not indicate any change in Washington’s long-standing “One China Policy.”
The revised fact sheet introduces key modifications to the US stance on Taiwan. One of the most striking changes is the removal of the phrase “we do not support Taiwan independence,” a statement that had previously been a key feature of US messaging regarding the self-governing island. Another notable adjustment is the rewording of a passage about Taiwan’s inclusion in international organizations, which no longer includes the phrase “where statehood is not a requirement.” Instead, the updated document emphasizes that the dispute between Taiwan and China should be resolved “free from coercion, in a manner acceptable to the people on both sides of the Strait.” Additionally, a new passage has been added, highlighting the Pentagon’s cooperation with Taiwan’s National Science and Technology Council, a move that may further signal Washington’s ongoing support for Taipei.
The American Institute in Taiwan, which serves as the US’s de facto embassy in Taipei, was unavailable for comment due to the Presidents’ Day holiday. However, the State Department addressed the change in response to media inquiries, stating that the update was part of a routine process to ensure public awareness of the US-Taiwan relationship. A spokesperson reiterated that the US remains committed to its “One China Policy,” which acknowledges Beijing’s position that there is only one Chinese government while also emphasizing the US commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. The spokesperson further clarified that Washington opposes any unilateral changes to the status quo by either side and encourages peaceful dialogue to resolve cross-Strait differences.
Beijing has reacted angrily to the changes, with a spokesperson from China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stating that the US position on Taiwan has “seriously regressed.” The Chinese government has long viewed US support for Taiwan as interference in its internal affairs and has consistently warned against any moves that could be interpreted as encouraging Taiwanese independence. The Chinese official accused the US of using Taiwan as a tool to suppress China and urged Washington to “immediately rectify its mistakes.” The backlash from Beijing underscores the sensitivity of any changes in how the US refers to Taiwan, as even minor wording adjustments can be perceived as significant shifts in diplomatic positioning.
Despite the State Department’s efforts to downplay the importance of the changes, analysts believe that the new wording sends a strategic message to China about the evolving nature of US-Taiwan relations. Yang Kuang-shun, a co-founder of the US Taiwan Watch think tank, described the revision as a “bold move” that asserts the US’s agency in shaping its relationships with both Taiwan and China, rather than allowing Beijing to dictate the terms. He noted that the new wording is significant in that it directly calls out China’s coercive actions toward Taiwan, including economic pressure and military threats, while reinforcing the idea that the future of Taiwan should be determined in a way that is acceptable to both sides.
Taiwanese officials have responded positively to the updated wording, viewing it as an indication of strengthening ties between the US and Taiwan. Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed gratitude for what it described as a “friendly and supportive” update, emphasizing the growing partnership between Taipei and Washington. Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung thanked the US for its stance on US-Taiwan relations and its commitment to stability in the Taiwan Strait, as well as its continued support for Taiwan’s economic, trade, and technology partnerships. The change comes at a time when Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te has been actively working to deepen economic ties with the US, particularly in the high-tech manufacturing sector. Lai recently pledged to increase Taiwanese investment in the US as part of a broader effort to prevent potential trade restrictions or tariffs from President Donald Trump’s administration. He described Taiwan as an “indispensable partner” for the US in rebuilding its high-tech industry, signaling Taipei’s desire to maintain strong economic and diplomatic ties with Washington.
While the US does not officially recognize Taiwan as a sovereign state, it maintains a close, unofficial relationship with the island. Under the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act, Washington is legally obligated to support Taiwan’s self-defense, but the law does not explicitly commit the US to military intervention in the event of a Chinese attack or blockade. However, US presidents have occasionally made statements suggesting a willingness to defend Taiwan militarily. Former President Joe Biden made multiple remarks indicating that the US would step in to protect Taiwan from a Chinese invasion, though each time, the State Department quickly walked back his comments, reaffirming that US policy had not changed. This latest change in the fact sheet echoes a similar move made in May 2022, when the State Department briefly removed a reference to not supporting Taiwanese independence. At the time, the wording was restored within weeks, raising questions about whether the latest update will remain in place or be subject to further revisions.
Given the ongoing tensions in the Taiwan Strait and the ever-evolving nature of US-China relations, this subtle yet significant wording change is likely to be closely watched by policymakers and analysts worldwide. As Taiwan continues to assert its role in global affairs and deepen its economic and security ties with the US, Beijing’s response to Washington’s evolving stance will be a key factor in shaping the future of cross-Strait relations. With China repeatedly warning of military action if Taiwan were to formally declare independence, any perceived shift in US policy could have far-reaching implications for regional stability and global diplomatic relations. Whether this latest update represents a meaningful adjustment in US policy or is merely a routine clarification, its impact on US-Taiwan-China relations remains to be seen.
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