China Condemns U.S. State Department for removing Taiwan independence reference

China has urged the United States to "correct its mistakes" after the U.S. State Department removed a statement from its website that previously stated Washington does not support Taiwan's independence.

Beijing considers Taiwan a part of its territory and has not ruled out the possibility of using force to achieve reunification with the island. Although the United States does not officially recognize Taiwan diplomatically, it remains the island's main security ally. Last week, a line was removed from a State Department fact sheet that had explicitly stated: "We do not support Taiwan independence."

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China urges US to 'correct its mistakes' after removes Taiwan independence reference

The revised fact sheet still expresses opposition to any unilateral changes by either Taiwan or China, but now includes a mention of Taiwan’s involvement in a Pentagon-backed technology and semiconductor development project. It also indicates that the U.S. will support Taiwan’s participation in international organizations "where applicable."

Taipei has praised the change as "positive and friendly," while Washington's unofficial embassy on the island referred to it as "routine." However, such language regarding U.S.-Taiwan relations is highly sensitive and has provoked a strong reaction from China.

A spokesperson for Beijing’s Taiwan affairs office criticized the update, stating that it sends "seriously wrong signals" to "Taiwan independence" separatists and could destabilize peace in the Taiwan Strait. They urged the U.S. to "correct its mistakes" and handle Taiwan-related issues more cautiously. The spokesperson emphasized that no matter the collaboration between Taiwan and the U.S., Taiwan remains an integral part of China, and this fact cannot be changed.

The change to the website occurred about three weeks after Donald Trump began his second term as president. In recent years, Beijing has increased pressure on Taiwan, seeking to isolate the island diplomatically and conducting large military exercises near it.

Though the United States, like most nations, does not maintain formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan, it is legally committed to helping Taiwan defend itself. A State Department representative said that the update to the fact sheet was a routine measure to inform the public about the "unofficial relationship" between the U.S. and Taiwan, while also reaffirming America's commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

Trump's return to power has stirred tensions, with Taiwan’s leadership attempting to align with his transactional approach to foreign policy. Trump has raised concerns by suggesting that Taiwan should pay the U.S. for its protection and criticizing the island for contributing to the challenges facing the American chip industry.