China Furious as U.S. Quietly Edits Stance on Taiwan Independence

China Furious as U.S. Quietly Edits Stance on Taiwan Independence

Tensions between the U.S. and China have escalated after the U.S. State Department removed a key statement from its website regarding Taiwan’s independence. The phrase “we do not support Taiwan independence,” which had been part of the department’s fact sheet on Taiwan-US relations, was quietly omitted during a routine update last week, sparking anger from Beijing.

China quickly condemned the revision, claiming it sends a “wrong” signal to Taiwan independence advocates. The Chinese government demanded that the U.S. “correct its mistakes” and remain committed to the “One China” policy, which acknowledges China over Taiwan. Taiwan is considered by Beijing to be a breakaway province, with force not ruled out in its eventual reunification.

The U.S. spokesperson emphasized that the removal of the phrase doesn’t signal a change in policy. Washington continues to recognize China and maintains official ties with Beijing, not Taiwan. However, the updated fact sheet now includes language supporting Taiwan’s participation in international organizations “where applicable,” a move that has garnered praise from Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung.

While Taiwan views itself as a self-governed nation, most of its citizens support the status quo of neither seeking independence nor full unification with China. The U.S. update, while seemingly small, marks a shift that Beijing sees as a provocative action.

In the wake of the change, Beijing’s foreign ministry labeled the U.S. move as a “serious regression” and accused Washington of using Taiwan to “contain China.” The Chinese government has demanded that the U.S. “immediately correct its mistakes” and return to a stricter adherence to the One China policy.

This diplomatic dispute has added fuel to the already simmering tensions between the U.S. and China over Taiwan and other geopolitical issues.