The US State Department's removal of a statement opposing Taiwan's independence from its website has sparked strong reactions from China, which sees this as a shift in US policy. This move was welcomed by Taiwan but criticized by China, which urges the US to adhere to the 'One China' policy. The US maintains its stance on preserving peace in the Taiwan Strait while supporting Taiwan's participation in international organizations.
The United States State Department recently updated its fact sheet on Taiwan, removing a longstanding statement opposing Taiwan's independence. This change has provoked a strong response from China, which views the revision as a significant shift in US policy. While Taiwan has welcomed the update, China has urged the US to correct what it perceives as a mistake, emphasizing the importance of the 'One China' policy.
The US State Department updated its fact sheet on Taiwan, removing the phrase "we do not support Taiwan independence." This change, described as a routine update by the State Department, has been met with criticism from China, which views it as a signal to separatist forces in Taiwan. The US maintains its 'One China' policy, recognizing the People's Republic of China as the sole legal government of China while acknowledging Beijing's claim over Taiwan without taking an official stance on the island's sovereignty [1] [2].
China's Foreign Ministry has reacted strongly to the US State Department's update, accusing the US of 'serious regression' in its stance on Taiwan. Chinese officials have urged the US to correct the perceived mistake and adhere to the 'One China' principle. China views Taiwan as a breakaway province and has not ruled out the use of force to reunite it with the mainland. The removal of the statement has been seen as a provocation, with China warning of potential damage to China-US relations [3] [4].
Taiwan has welcomed the changes in the US State Department's fact sheet, viewing it as a positive stance on US-Taiwan relations. Taiwan's Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung expressed gratitude for the 'positive, Taiwan-friendly wordings.' Despite the change, the US continues to support Taiwan's participation in international organizations and remains committed to preserving peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. The US opposes any unilateral changes to the status quo from either side and supports dialogue between Taiwan and China to resolve differences peacefully [1] [3].
The US State Department's recent update to its fact sheet on Taiwan has reignited tensions between the US and China. While Taiwan views the change as a positive development, China has responded with strong criticism, urging the US to adhere to the 'One China' policy. The US continues to emphasize its commitment to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, supporting Taiwan's participation in international forums and opposing any unilateral changes to the status quo. This development highlights the ongoing complexities and sensitivities surrounding Taiwan's status and US-China relations.
"This sends a wrong and serious signal to separatist forces advocating for Taiwan independence." - Guo Jiakun
"The United States is committed to preserving peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait." - State Department spokesperson