In a significant diplomatic shift, the US has stirred controversy by revising its stance on Taiwan, which has angered China and sparked a broader debate about regional sovereignty and independence.
China Fumes Over US Shift in Taiwan Policy Language
China Fumes Over US Shift in Taiwan Policy Language
US modifies Taiwan fact sheet, igniting Chinese ire and raising tensions in the region.
The US State Department has recently removed the phrase "we do not support Taiwan independence" from its fact sheet detailing Taiwan-US relations—a modification that has drawn sharp criticism from China. Chinese officials assert that this change "sends a wrong signal to separatist forces advocating for Taiwan independence" and have urged the US to "correct its mistakes."
Previously included in the fact sheet, that phrase was eliminated last week as part of an update deemed "routine" by US officials. Despite the adjustment, a spokesperson reiterated the US commitment to the "One China" policy, acknowledging formal diplomatic relations with China instead of Taiwan. Nonetheless, the Chinese government views Taiwan as a breakaway province that it plans to reunify with the mainland, potentially by force if necessary.
Public sentiment in Taiwan, however, differs; many Taiwanese feel part of an independent nation, though most prefer to maintain the current situation—avoid declaring independence while resisting unification with China. Alongside the phrase removal, the updated fact sheet also mentions the US's support for Taiwan's engagement in international organizations "where applicable."
In response to the changes, Taiwan's Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung expressed gratitude toward the US for the "positive, Taiwan-friendly wordings." However, Beijing's foreign ministry issued a stern rebuke, labeling the modification a "serious regression" in American policy. Chinese spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated, "This sends a serious wrong signal to separatist forces" and accused the US of maintaining a misguided strategy that leverages Taiwan against China.
The evolving dynamics of US-Taiwan-China relations continue to attract global attention as discussions surrounding sovereignty and international policy unfold.
Previously included in the fact sheet, that phrase was eliminated last week as part of an update deemed "routine" by US officials. Despite the adjustment, a spokesperson reiterated the US commitment to the "One China" policy, acknowledging formal diplomatic relations with China instead of Taiwan. Nonetheless, the Chinese government views Taiwan as a breakaway province that it plans to reunify with the mainland, potentially by force if necessary.
Public sentiment in Taiwan, however, differs; many Taiwanese feel part of an independent nation, though most prefer to maintain the current situation—avoid declaring independence while resisting unification with China. Alongside the phrase removal, the updated fact sheet also mentions the US's support for Taiwan's engagement in international organizations "where applicable."
In response to the changes, Taiwan's Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung expressed gratitude toward the US for the "positive, Taiwan-friendly wordings." However, Beijing's foreign ministry issued a stern rebuke, labeling the modification a "serious regression" in American policy. Chinese spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated, "This sends a serious wrong signal to separatist forces" and accused the US of maintaining a misguided strategy that leverages Taiwan against China.
The evolving dynamics of US-Taiwan-China relations continue to attract global attention as discussions surrounding sovereignty and international policy unfold.
