The US State Department has revised its fact sheet on Taiwan, removing a statement that explicitly said Washington does not support Taiwan’s independence. The update, which the department described as a “routine” change, has triggered a sharp response from China, which has called on the US to “correct its mistakes.”
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Previously, the fact sheet on Taiwan-US relations included the phrase, “we do not support Taiwan independence.” However, this wording was removed last week. Additionally, the updated document now states that the US will support Taiwan’s participation in international organizations “where applicable.”
A US spokesperson reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to the “One China” policy, under which the US formally recognizes China rather than Taiwan. However, Beijing has interpreted the revision as a “serious regression” in the US stance, warning that it sends a “wrong signal” to pro-independence groups.
Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung welcomed the change, calling it a “positive, Taiwan-friendly” move. Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the American Institute in Taiwan—the US’ de facto embassy on the island—clarified that the update was made to better inform the public about US-Taiwan relations.
China, which views Taiwan as a breakaway province, has not ruled out the use of force to bring the island under its control. Reacting to the US revision, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun accused Washington of “stubbornly persisting with its wrong policy of using Taiwan to contain China.” Beijing has demanded that the US reverse the changes and “earnestly adhere to the One China principle.”
