US State Department Website's Changes on Taiwan Leave China Fuming

China has strongly criticized the United States following recent updates to the US State Department's website, urging the country to "correct its mistakes" after removing a key phrase about Taiwan's independence.

The fact sheet, which was updated last week, still maintains Washington’s opposition to any unilateral change from either Taiwan or China regarding the status of the island, which Beijing claims as its own. However, the revision dropped the previous wording stating that the US "does not support Taiwan independence." In place of that, the page now highlights Taiwan's cooperation with the Pentagon on technology and semiconductor projects and expresses support for Taiwan's participation in international organizations "where applicable."

The update, which Beijing views as an endorsement of Taiwan’s autonomy, has sparked outrage in China. The Chinese government regularly condemns any form of international recognition of Taiwan or any official engagements between Taiwanese and foreign officials, perceiving it as a challenge to its claim over the island.

Chinese Criticism
In response to the changes, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun expressed strong disapproval. He stated that the revisions were a “step backwards” and sent a “seriously wrong message” to Taiwan’s independence supporters. Guo accused the United States of continuing its policy of using Taiwan to "suppress China" and called on Washington to "immediately rectify its mistakes."

"The United States is stubbornly adhering to its erroneous policy," Guo added, echoing China's long-standing criticism of US support for Taiwan.

US Response
The US State Department defended the changes, explaining that the update was part of a routine effort to keep the public informed about America’s unofficial relationship with Taiwan. A State Department spokesperson emphasized that the United States remains committed to its "One China" policy, which does not take a position on Taiwan's sovereignty but acknowledges China’s stance on the matter.

"The United States remains committed to preserving peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait," the spokesperson stated. "We oppose any unilateral changes to the status quo from either side and support cross-Strait dialogue. We expect differences to be resolved peacefully and free from coercion, with respect for the views of the people on both sides."

Taiwan's Response
Taiwan’s government, which rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims, responded positively to the updates. Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung expressed gratitude for what he called the “support and positive stance on US-Taiwan relations.”

Taiwan views itself as an independent nation, the Republic of China, and asserts that its people should be the ones to decide the island’s future. After the civil war in 1949, the Republic of China government retreated to Taiwan, while the People's Republic of China was established by the Communist Party on the mainland.

The ongoing tension between the US, China, and Taiwan remains a delicate issue, with each side firm in their respective positions on the island’s sovereignty.