China's Foreign Ministry accused the United States of gravely backpedaling on its Taiwan stance this week after Washington revised a diplomatic fact sheet omitting opposition to Taiwanese independence. The move comes amid heightened military drills near the Taiwan Strait and global concerns over semiconductor supply chains.
Taiwan split from mainland China in 1949 following a protracted civil war, maintaining de facto sovereignty ever since. While Beijing claims territorial authority over the island, Taipei operates an independent government and military.
We urge the U.S. to stop emboldening separatist forces,stressed Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun during a press briefing.
The State Department's updated policy document removed the phrase we do not support Taiwan independence- a critical diplomatic safeguard in previous agreements. Three key developments followed:
- May 2022: Initial phrase removal and rapid reinstatement after Chinese protests
- January 2024: Policy language modified under restored Trump administration
- Growing uncertainty about U.S. semiconductor trade strategies
Taiwanese officials cautiously welcomed the revisions, describing them as reflecting strengthened bilateral cooperation.However, analysts warn the changes could destabilize delicate U.S.-China relations and trigger stronger PLA maneuvers near disputed waters.
The policy shift coincides with former President Donald Trump claiming domestic chip manufacturers lost business to Taiwanand vowing to reclaim the industry. As Taiwanese firms produce 60% of global semiconductors, this rhetoric alarms trade experts.
U.S. officials maintain their stance: We expect peaceful resolution of cross-strait disputes without coercion, states the amended fact sheet. Yet China continues expanding military facilities encircling Taiwan, deploying warships and aircraft monthly.
