China Criticizes US for Altering State Department Language on Taiwan

• Feb 17, 2025

China has expressed strong disapproval after the United States removed a key phrase from its State Department fact sheet that previously stated, "We do not support Taiwan independence." The revision, made last week, has sparked a backlash from Beijing, which has consistently viewed Taiwan as an inseparable part of its territory and has not ruled out the use of force to bring the self-governed island under its control.

While the U.S. does not formally recognize Taiwan as a sovereign nation, it remains the island's primary security partner. The updated fact sheet continues to oppose any unilateral changes from either Taiwan or China, but it now includes a reference to Taiwan’s involvement in Pentagon projects related to technology and semiconductor development. Additionally, it affirms that the U.S. will support Taiwan’s participation in international organizations "where applicable."

The modification was met with positive reactions from Taiwan, which called it "positive and friendly." Washington's de facto embassy in Taiwan also downplayed the significance of the change, describing it as "routine." However, any shift in the language used to describe U.S.-Taiwan relations is a sensitive issue, and this revision has provoked an angry response from China.

A spokesperson for Beijing’s Taiwan affairs office criticized the change, accusing the U.S. of sending "seriously wrong signals" to pro-independence forces in Taiwan. The spokesperson, Zhu Fenglian, stated that this move could harm peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and called on the U.S. to "correct its mistakes." She reiterated Beijing’s stance that Taiwan is part of China and that no amount of U.S.-Taiwan cooperation could alter this fact.

This update to the State Department’s fact sheet came shortly after the inauguration of U.S. President Donald Trump for his second term. Beijing has been intensifying its efforts to isolate Taiwan diplomatically, pressuring its international allies and conducting military exercises near the island.

Although the U.S. does not have official diplomatic relations with Taiwan, it is legally bound to provide the island with the means to defend itself. A State Department spokesperson defended the revision, stating that the change was made as part of regular updates to the fact sheet, which aims to inform the public about the U.S.'s "unofficial relationship" with Taiwan. The spokesperson emphasized that the U.S. remains committed to preserving peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

The shift in language comes at a time when Taiwan's leadership is trying to navigate the complex diplomatic environment under President Trump, who has previously suggested that Taiwan should contribute financially to U.S. protection and blamed the island for issues affecting the American semiconductor industry.