US drops website wording on not supporting Taiwan independence

The U.S. State Department has removed a statement from its website that said the United States does not support Taiwan independence. However, the fact sheet on Taiwan still retains Washington's position against either Taiwan or China unilaterally changing the status quo, as China claims sovereignty over the democratically governed island.

In addition to removing the phrase "we do not support Taiwan independence," several other changes were made, which the Taiwan government has applauded as supportive of Taiwan. The updated page added a reference to Taiwan's cooperation with the Pentagon on technology and semiconductor development projects, and stated that the U.S. will support Taiwan's membership in international organizations "where appropriate."

Like most countries, the United States does not have formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan, but is Taiwan's strongest international supporter and is bound by law to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself. "We oppose any unilateral changes to the status quo by either side," the updated content on the U.S. State Department website stated on Thursday. "We expect cross-strait differences to be resolved peacefully, without coercion, and in a manner acceptable to the people on both sides of the strait."

Taiwan's Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung said he "welcomes the U.S. State Department website's relevant content demonstrating support and a positive stance towards U.S.-Taiwan relations," his ministry said in a statement on Sunday. The change in wording was first reported by Taiwan's official Central News Agency on Sunday. The wording regarding Taiwan independence was also removed in 2022, but was restored a month later.

The Taiwan government rejects Beijing's sovereignty claims, saying only Taiwan's people can decide their future. Taiwan says it is already an independent country, officially called the Republic of China. Beijing describes Taiwan as the "core of its core interests" and frequently condemns Washington's support for Taipei. Taiwan is facing increasing military pressure from Beijing, including almost daily incursions by Chinese military aircraft and warships into the waters and airspace around Taiwan. Taiwan's defense ministry said on Sunday it detected 24 Chinese military aircraft carrying out "joint combat readiness patrols" around Taiwan, along with Chinese warships.