China has sharply criticized the United States for grave backpedaling on its Taiwan stance after the State Department deleted a critical line opposing independence for the island nation. The move intensifies China-US tensions over Taiwan, a flashpoint that could reshape Indo-Pacific security dynamics.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun condemned Washington’s updated fact sheet, stating it sends dangerous signals to separatist forces in Taiwan.
We urge the U.S. to... stop emboldening Taiwan independence and avoid further damaging bilateral relations,Guo declared during Monday’s briefing.
The disputed policy change revolves around the U.S. removing we do not support Taiwan independencefrom an official document outlining relations with Taipei. While Taiwan’s government welcomed the revision as reflecting close partnership,Beijing views it as undermining its One-China Principle – the diplomatic bedrock recognizing Taiwan as part of China since their 1949 split after the civil war.
Historical context amplifies current tensions:
- The U.S. has maintained strategic ambiguity, refusing formal recognition of Taiwanese sovereignty while supplying advanced weapons
- China considers Taiwan its territory and vows reunification, by force if necessary
- Cross-strait military activities have surged, including recent Chinese drills encircling the island
This isn’t the first linguistic shift – the State Department removed the phrase in May 2022 before reinstating it amid Chinese protests. Analysts suggest the latest revision under President Trump could signal policy experimentation, not outright abandonment of strategic ambiguity.
Taiwan’s semiconductor dominance adds economic urgency. Trump recently lamented losing chip manufacturing to the island, stating: Taiwan took our business.With Taiwan producing 60% of global semiconductors, both economic and security stakes run high.
The U.S. walks a diplomatic tightrope – rejecting formal Taiwanese independence while opposing coercive reunification. As Guo warned: Peace in the Taiwan Strait requires U.S. restraint.With elections approaching in America and Taiwan’s persistent push for international recognition, this latest escalation suggests rougher diplomatic waters ahead.